The EU countries have agreed on a proposal to digitalize the Schengen visa issuance procedure. Here are the advantages of the online visa application system and how it will work

On March 29, 2023, the ambassadors of the EU member states agreed to the EU Council's proposal to digitize the procedure for issuing Schengen visas. According to the new program, it will be possible to submit documents and obtain a permit to enter the EU online. The digital visa will replace the standard sticker in the traveler's passport. The EU plans to make the visa application process more efficient and improve the security of the Schengen area thanks to the new system.

Advantages of the online visa application system

The possibility of obtaining a Schengen visa online will greatly simplify the procedure for obtaining this entry permit. Tourists will no longer need to visit a consulate to submit documents and obtain a visa, while reducing the burden on national administrations. Also, the new procedure will eliminate the risk of falsification, damage, loss or theft of the visa sticker.

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How will the new Schengen visa application system work?

According to the project of the program, a special online platform will be developed for issuing visas. This will be a single portal where all Schengen visa applications will be accepted.

A foreigner fills out a form on the website, enters all the necessary data, uploads electronic copies of documents and pays the visa fee.

Depending on the tourist's request, the system will automatically distribute applications to the relevant national visa systems. If a visit to several countries of the Schengen zone is planned during the train, the system will automatically determine which country's visa must be issued (depending on the length of stay). In case, according to the purpose of the trip, the applicant needs to obtain a visa in a specific country, then this information can be indicated in the application.

The decision to issue a visa will also appear on the portal after the documents have been processed. According to the developments, visas will be issued in electronic form - a two-dimensional barcode with a cryptographic signature.

Importantly! Certain categories of foreigners will still need to appear at the consulate to obtain a visa: if a visa is issued for the first time, those whose biometric data are no longer valid, and if a new travel document has been obtained.

Reasons for the introduction of the electronic system of issuing visas

In April 2022, the EU Commission made a proposal aimed at digitalizing the visa procedure, because the development of information systems makes it possible to make the visa application process easier for the applicant and smooth and efficient for national authorities. Another factor was the COVID-19 pandemic, which slowed down visa operations and drew attention to the need for increased digital procedures.

When will the new system be operational?

At the next stage of approving the new system, the Council should proceed to the procedure of discussion and final approval of the draft program with the European Parliament.

The exact period of introduction of the new system has not yet been announced.

How does the new visa system differ from ETIAS?

The new portal will provide a fast and secure application process for citizens of 102 countries worldwide who need a short-term visa to travel to the EU.

ETIAS will be created for citizens of countries that have a visa-free regime with the EU. On the ETIAS portal, such tourists do not issue a visa, but only receive a travel permit. Read more about ETIAS here.

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