No More Paper! EU Goes Digital For Schengen Visas: All You Need To Know
The European Union (EU) has decided to make the Schengen area visa application process online.?
The online visa system "will simplify the application process for travellers," said Spain's Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, whose country currently holds the EU presidency.
Why digital visa is coming?
Once it is in place, people applying for short stays in the Schengen area will upload documents, data and electronic copies of their travel documents with biometric information and pay fees, all through an online platform.
According to an official release, the new regulations adopted by the EU will create an EU visa application platform.?
- With a few exceptions, applications for Schengen visas will be made through that platform. On the platform, visa applicants will be able to enter all the relevant data, upload electronic copies of their travel documents and supporting documents, and pay their visa fees.
- Render in-person appearance at the consulate redundant. In principle, in-person appearances will only be necessary for first-time applicants, people whose biometric data are no longer valid,?and people with a new travel document.
- Replace the current visa sticker with a cryptographically signed barcode.
What are the changes?
If approved after database cross-checks, they will receive a cryptographically signed barcode to print off or store in a device.
But, some first-time applicants or those with a new passport or changed biometric data may still need to attend an in-person appointment.
The shift towards digitalisation of the visa process will also eliminate the need for applicants to get a sticker on their passport, meaning no more appointments at consulates or service providers' offices.
When will it come into effect?
The change, unveiled after a lengthy legislative process, will take effect after technical work on the visa platform, which is expected to take months, and then be published in the EU's administrative gazette.
What is a Schengen area visa?
The Schengen area comprises 23 of the 27 European countries which have abolished many types of internal border controls, including visa-free travel for those from member states. Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are also Schengen states.
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