European visas become easier; Schengen visa procedures to go digital : EU Council

The Council of the European Union has agreed to discuss a proposal to digitize the Schengen visa application process for all applicants.

The proposal on digitalization of visa procedures introduces the possibility of applying for a Schengen visa online, which replaces the current visa sticker with a digital visa, making the process hassle-free.

In addition, the proposal aims to make the Schengen visa application process more practical and improve the security of the Schengen area.

Welcoming the council's decision, Swedish Migration Minister Maria Malmar Stenergaard said a digital visa procedure would make it easier for everyone to apply for the document.

He emphasized that digitalizing Schengen visa procedures will reduce the number of trips to consulates and make it easier for administrators to process applications.

“Online applications will reduce the number of trips to consulates for travelers and facilitate the process for national administrations. At the same time, the digital visa will end the risk of tampering and theft of the visa sticker,” Stenergad said in a statement.

According to the EU Council, if the newly proposed rules are approved, the EU will create a visa application platform. This platform will be a single website and all Schengen visa applications will be processed through it.

On this platform, Schengen visa applicants can submit all relevant information, upload electronic copies of travel and supporting documents and pay their fees. The decision regarding the visa of the applicants will also be notified through the same website.

"Only first-time applicants, those whose biometric data is no longer valid and those with new travel documents are required to appear in person at the consulate," the council said.

He explained that when a person wants to travel to several Schengen countries, the platform will determine which of the Schengen visa-issuing countries is responsible for verifying their applications.

However, all applicants will still have the possibility to indicate whether they wish to have their application processed by a specific Schengen Area Member State depending on the purpose of travel.

Under the newly proposed rules, all visas will be in a digital format, cryptographically signed and 2D barcoded. This will reduce the security risks associated with stolen and counterfeit visa stickers.

Currently, all Schengen visa applicants must attend an interview and submit a number of documents depending on the type of visa they are applying for. Those wishing to arrive for travel purposes will need to apply for a tourist Schengen visa. This type of visa allows all its holders to stay in the territory for up to 90 days within a six-month period.

All tourist Schengen visa applicants must submit a completed visa application form, their passport, two recent photographs and a round trip reservation.