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European Union Begins to Lift Schengen Visa Restrictions on Ethiopians

May 20 , 2026

The Council of the European Union has moved to lift the restrictive visa measures on Ethiopia, marking a reversal in Brussels’ use of visa rules as leverage over Addis Abeba’s cooperation on the return of its citizens who do not have the legal right to remain in Europe.

The decision, adopted on May 18, 2026, repeals a resolution passed two years ago, which had suspended parts of the EU visa code, in relation to Ethiopia. EU officials stated at the time the time that the measure was intended to pressure Addis Abeba to improve cooperation on readmission matters, an area where the European Commission had found Ethiopia’s response "insufficient."

That assessment appears to have changed now. According to the Commission, cooperation with Ethiopia has "improved substantially," particularly in the identification of Ethiopian citizens “illegally staying in the territory of the member states,” the issuing of emergency travel documents, and the regular organisation of return operations.

However, the move does not immediately take effect across the board.

"The decision will come into force once member states are individually notified, leaving its practical implementation dependent on the formal notification process within the EU system," said a statement the EU issued yesterday.

The EU rules concern short stays only, defined as stays of no more than 90 days within any 180-day period. They apply to Schengen visas, which are currently issued by 25 of the 27 EU member states, together with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Cyprus, where controls at internal borders have not yet been lifted, and Ireland, which is not part of the Schengen area, do not issue Schengen but national visas.

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