The European Union member states have agreed to digitize the Schengen Visa application process, allowing for the possibility of obtaining a digital Schengen visa. This means people can apply for a visa online and have a digital visa instead of a physical sticker. This will make the visa process more efficient and secure.
The Swedish Minister for Migration said that having a digital Schengen visa will make it easier for people to apply and will also make the Schengen area safer. People can apply for visas online, which will reduce the number of trips to the consulate and make the process smoother. Having a digital visa will also prevent falsification and theft of visa stickers.
The proposal includes the creation of a single website where all Schengen visa applications will be made. On this platform, people can provide all the necessary information, upload supporting documents and pay visa fees. The platform will automatically determine which country is responsible for examining the application based on the duration of stay. People will only need to go to the consulate in person if they are a first-time applicant, if their biometric data is no longer valid, or if they have a new travel document.
Under the new rules, visas will be issued in digital format as a 2D barcode that is cryptographically signed. This will reduce security risks related to counterfeit and stolen visa stickers.
Recent migration and security challenges have led to the need for a digital visa procedure. The COVID-19 pandemic has also made it necessary to have more digital procedures. Technological developments provide new security features and opportunities to make visa procedures smoother and more effective for visa applicants and national authorities.
The Commission submitted a proposal on 27 April 2022 to digitalize the visa procedure. The Council presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament to agree on the final wording based on the agreed negotiating mandate.
In summary, Under the proposed new rules, the Schengen visa application process will be digitized. All applicants will be able to apply online and replace the current visa sticker with a digital visa. The introduction of the digital Schengen visa aims to improve efficiency and security of the Schengen area.
The digital format of visas, cryptographically signed and as a 2D barcode, will reduce security risks associated with counterfeit and stolen visa stickers. This will also eliminate the need for in-person appearance at the consulate for many applicants.
Tourist Schengen visa applicants are required to submit several documents, such as a completed visa application form, passport, two recent photos, roundtrip reservation, proof of having booked a place to stay, proof of having purchased EU travel health insurance, and proof of financial means, among others. This type of visa permits holders to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a six-month period.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the digitization of Schengen visa
What is the aim of digitalising the visa procedure?
The aim is to make the visa application process more efficient and improve the security of the Schengen area.
What impact will the digitization of Schengen visa have on international travel?
The digitization of Schengen visa is expected to make the visa application process more efficient and improve the security of the Schengen area. With the possibility to apply for a visa online and replace the current visa sticker with a digital visa, legitimate travelers will find it easier to apply for visas and have reduced the number of trips to the consulate. This will also make the process smoother for national administrations. The digital visa will reduce the risk of falsification and theft of visa stickers. Visas will be issued in digital format as a 2D barcode, cryptographically signed, which will reduce security risks related to counterfeit and stolen visa stickers. Overall, digitization is expected to make visa application procedures smoother, faster and safer, benefiting both visa applicants and national authorities.
What is the proposed new format for the Schengen visa?
The proposed new format is a digital visa in the form of a 2D barcode that is cryptographically signed.
What would be the benefits of the digital Schengen visa?
The benefits would include making it easier for legitimate travelers to apply for visas online, reducing the risk of falsification and theft of the visa sticker, and automatically determining which member state is responsible for examining the application based on the duration of stay.
Would travelers still need to visit a consulate in person after digital Schengen visa be implemented?
In-person appearances at the consulate would only be necessary for certain groups, such as first-time applicants, persons whose biometric data are no longer valid, and those with a new travel document.
What is the proposal for the digitalisation of the Schengen visa procedure?
The proposal would introduce a digital Schengen visa, which would allow travelers to apply for and receive a visa online. The current visa sticker would be replaced with a digital visa in the form of a 2D barcode that is cryptographically signed. The aim of the proposal is to make the visa application process more efficient and improve the security of the Schengen area.
What benefits would a digital Schengen visa provide?
A digital Schengen visa would make it easier for legitimate travelers to apply for visas, as they would be able to do so online rather than needing to visit a consulate. It would also reduce the risk of falsification and theft of the visa sticker. Additionally, the visa application platform would automatically determine which member state is responsible for examining the application, based on the duration of stay.
Will travelers still need to visit a consulate in person after digital Schengen visa be implemented?
In-person appearances at the consulate will only be necessary for first-time applicants, persons whose biometric data are no longer valid, and those with a new travel document.
When proposal for the digitalisation of the visa procedure was submitted?
The proposal for the digitalisation of the visa procedure was submitted by the Commission on April 27, 2022, and the Council has agreed on a negotiating mandate for the proposal. The next step will be negotiations with the European Parliament to agree on the final wording. It’s unclear when the digital Schengen visa will be implemented, but it’s likely to take some time before it becomes fully operational.