On 23 June 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted an implementing decision suspending several visa-processing flexibilities for Somali nationals subject to the visa requirement under Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. The measure, effective from the date of notification, aims to pressure Somalia to improve cooperation on the readmission of irregular migrants. Affected provisions include the waiver of documentary evidence requirements, optional visa fee waivers for diplomatic and service passport holders, the standard 15-day processing period (extended to 45 days), and the possibility of issuing multiple-entry visas. The decision does not apply to Somali nationals already exempt from the visa requirement, family members of EU citizens or certain third-country nationals with free-movement rights, and cases where Member States are bound by international law obligations, such as hosting international organisations or UN conferences. The 26 EU Member States bound by the decision are listed in the annex; Denmark, Ireland, and the Schengen-associated states (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein) are not bound, and Cyprus has special provisions. The Commission proposed the measure, and the Council adopted it without amendment. Member States are now required to implement the stricter rules at their consulates and borders. The decision is expected to increase administrative burdens for Somali visa applicants and may strain bilateral relations, while EU Member States gain a stronger tool to leverage readmission cooperation. No prior coverage of this file exists in the available record.
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