EU Council Approves Overhaul Of Schengen Visa Application Process
Spain News
Published: 20 November 2023 14:04 CET
In a significant move towards a more streamlined visa application process, the Council of the EU has given the green light to a series of changes to the Schengen visa system. This marks a notable step towards a paperless society, benefiting citizens from various countries, including China, Egypt, and Tunisia.
Commencing from 2025, UK passport holders, who currently enjoy visa-free access to the EU's Schengen Zone, will be required to register with the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before entering any of the member countries.
The revamped visa application process is set to bring about several key improvements for travelers:
1. Centralised Online Platform: The introduction of a unified online platform will allow applicants to complete all necessary procedures on a single website, even for trips involving multiple countries.
2. Digital Documentation: Say goodbye to extensive paperwork. Travellers will be able to scan and upload essential documents such as passports and biometric photos, replacing the need for physical copies.
3. Online Fee Payment: Applicants will now have the convenience of paying their visa fees online, making the process more efficient. Despite substantial investments in the website infrastructure, the visa fees will remain unchanged.
4. Digital Barcodes Replace Visa Stickers: As a security measure, traditional visa stickers will be phased out and replaced with cryptographically signed digital barcodes. This shift aims to enhance border security by reducing the risk of forgery associated with physical stamps.
Exceptions to the streamlined process include:
- Those applying for a Schengen Visa for the first time.
- Individuals with expired or invalid biometric data.
- Those holding a new travel document.
Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gómez, the acting Spanish Minister for the Interior, expressed optimism about the changes, stating, "The possibility of applying for a Schengen visa online will be a great improvement for citizens and for the processing of the application. It will simplify the application process for travellers and, at the same time, will ease the burden on national administrations, which will be able to respond more quickly and effectively."
The newly adopted regulations will establish an EU visa application platform, allowing applicants to enter data, upload electronic copies of documents, and pay fees. In-person appearances at consulates will generally become unnecessary, except for specific cases outlined as exceptions.
Following the official approval, the regulations are set to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union, with their effective implementation determined after the completion of technical work on the visa platform and digital visas. The anticipated changes promise a more efficient and convenient future for those seeking to travel to Spain and the Schengen area.
Sources
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/11/13/council-gives-green-light-to-the-digitalisation-of-the-visa-procedure/
https://spanishnewstoday.com/eu_plans_to_make_schengen_visa_applications_paperless_2286438-a.html
