The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has been postponed until at least 2027 due to technical failures in the border control system. Montenegro will change its visa policy starting November 1, 2026 in line with EU requirements, while Romanian and Bulgarian passports reached 11th place in the global ranking, setting a record for the number of visa-free destinations.

ETIAS launch delayed again for years

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will not launch before 2027. This is not the first delay: the innovation was originally planned much earlier, but the process has been constantly slowed by technical problems.

This time the cause was the Entry/Exit System, which automatically records border crossings using biometric data. Its rollout has been accompanied by glitches, and at a number of airports and land border crossings this has already led to long queues. European officials decided to first bring the border control system to stable operation before launching ETIAS.

The Entry/Exit System itself was launched in autumn 2025, although its launch was originally planned back in 2022 and was repeatedly postponed due to technical difficulties and the unpreparedness of certain EU countries.

Montenegro aligns with EU visa policy

Montenegro is finally bringing its visa policy in line with European Union rules. The government has approved changes under which, starting November 1, 2026, citizens of a number of countries will need a visa to enter.

The decision is linked to Montenegro’s EU integration process — the country must align its rules with EU requirements as part of preparations for accession to the bloc. At the same time, authorities promise to simplify the visa application procedure: documents can be submitted not only through consulates but also through visa centers. In addition, Montenegro is preparing a new visa information system that should meet the standards of the European Union and the Schengen area.

Romania and Bulgaria climb the passport ranking

Romania and Bulgaria shared 11th place in the Henley Passport Index 2026, showing their best result in the history of participating in the study. Holders of a Romanian passport can visit 178 countries and territories without a prior visa — more than 86% of world destinations. Compared to last year, Romania climbed four positions.

Both countries’ improved standing was significantly influenced by their full accession to the Schengen area. The common principles of European migration policy also played a major role, aimed at strengthening the protection of the EU’s external borders, improving the security of travel documents, and combating illegal migration and cross-border crime.

For citizens of Romania and Bulgaria, this means expanded opportunities for free international travel, work, study, and the development of business ties.

Swedish passport named the strongest in new ranking

The Global Passport Index 2026, compiled by Global Citizen Solutions, has recognized the Swedish passport as the strongest in the world. Unlike the classic Henley index, this ranking evaluates citizenship based on 15 criteria grouped into three blocks: freedom of movement (50% of the score), investment potential (25%), and quality of life (25%).

The top 10 of the ranking includes Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Singapore. Notably, nine positions were taken by European countries, with Singapore being the sole representative of Asia.

The study’s authors note that a modern passport is no longer just a travel document. Its value is determined by a combination of factors: freedom of movement, a favorable investment environment, and a high quality of life.

US tightens requirements for investment immigration

The US Department of Homeland Security has presented a draft of new rules for the investment immigration program, tightening requirements for both investors and regional centers.

For most applicants, the minimum investment amount will remain unchanged at 800,000 dollars. However, for some projects, it is proposed to raise the threshold to 1,400,000 dollars. Starting January 1, 2027, minimum amounts will be regularly indexed for inflation.

The draft will be discussed until the end of August, after which US authorities will prepare the final version. If the document is adopted in its current form, the investment migration program will become more strictly regulated, oversight of participants will increase, and requirements for rule compliance and participation costs will gradually rise.

Migration policy is becoming stricter

Migration policy around the world is becoming increasingly regulated and is having a greater impact on the value of citizenship, travel opportunities, and relocation strategies. EU countries continue to build a unified system for controlling external borders, while simultaneously tightening entry requirements and bringing national rules in line with pan-European standards.

When planning a move or obtaining a second citizenship today, it is especially important to consider not only current conditions but also future changes in legislation.