Schengen Visa Application Procedures To Go Fully Digital As EU Parliament And Council Reach Agreement
Spain News
Published: 14 June 2023 14:30 CET
Non-EU nationals planning to travel to European countries will soon have the convenience of applying for Schengen visas online, following an agreement announced by the EU Council and the European Parliament.
The provisional agreement aims to establish a digital visa system, replacing the traditional visa sticker in passports with a digital visa. The proposal's primary goals are to enhance the efficiency of the visa application process and bolster security within the Schengen area.
Before the official adoption process can commence, the agreement still requires approval from individual EU member states, which may introduce some delays. However, once approved, the digital visa system will significantly simplify the application process for travellers while reducing the risk of visa falsification and theft. The Swedish Minister for Migration, Maria Malmer Stenergard, emphasised that the digital visa will not only streamline administrative procedures but also enhance the security of the Schengen area.
The Schengen visa is essential for nationals of third countries, such as South Africa, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, who wish to visit European countries. However, citizens of other non-EU countries, including Brits, Americans, Canadians, and Australians, benefit from the 90-day rule and do not require a Schengen visa for stays within the designated period. It is important to check the list of countries requiring a Schengen visa for specific details.
The new digital visa system will be implemented in the border-free Schengen area, comprising EU countries (excluding Ireland) and non-EU members Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein, and Switzerland, which have signed the Schengen Convention.
The digitalisation of the visa procedure will eliminate the need for applicants to physically visit consulates, which proved challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. While some EU countries have already begun transitioning to digital systems, not all currently accept online payments for visa fees.
Key details of the proposed system include:
- Schengen visa applications, with a few exceptions, will be made through a centralised website, which will then forward applications to the respective national visa systems.
- The online platform will allow applicants to input relevant data, upload electronic copies of travel and supporting documents, and make visa fee payments.
- Applicants will receive notifications regarding the status of their visa applications through the platform.
- In-person visits to consulates will generally be required only for first-time applicants, individuals with expired biometric data, and those with new travel documents.
- Digital visas will be issued in the form of cryptographically signed 2D barcodes, reducing the security risks associated with counterfeit or stolen visa stickers.
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, explained that the move toward digitalisation aims to provide a quick, safe, and web-based visa application platform for citizens of the 102 third countries requiring short-term visas to travel to the EU.
The development of the online visa application platform is expected to commence in 2024, with an operational launch planned for 2026. EU member states will then have five years to phase out their national portals and transition to the common online system, ensuring a unified and efficient visa application process.
It is important to note that the Schengen visa is distinct from the ETIAS (European Travel Information Authorisation) system, which is currently under development. ETIAS will apply to non-EU nationals exempt from visas, requiring them to obtain travel authorisation before their trip. The ETIAS visa waiver, costing 7 euros, will be valid for three years and will be free for individuals below the age of 18 or above the age of 70 years. The implementation of ETIAS is scheduled for 2024, following several delays.
The EU's commitment to digitalization aims to provide a more accessible and secure visa application.
Sources
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/eu-parliament-council-agree-to-make-schengen-visa-application-procedures-completely-online/
https://www.thelocal.es/20220510/latest-eu-agrees-to-launch-digital-only-schengen-visa-application-process
