Schengen visa application to be digitised
The news that everyone has been waiting for was announced by the European Commission at its latest meeting: The Schengen visa application process is finally going digital. There are many reasons for this decision, but one of the most important is the confusing, complex and lengthy application process. Moreover, the rules are not always clear.
The situation has been that, for objective reasons, some countries have received more applications than others since the introduction of Schengen visas. This has led to long queues and people having to wait several months to get in. In addition, a lot of paperwork increases costs for travellers and for member states. This problem must also be solved by the new system.
Applications will be evenly distributed and the approval process systematised through one platform. This means that all countries will follow the same rules. Applicants will receive clear and accessible advice at every stage.
The future platform will also offer a secure account, in which a person will be able to upload the necessary documents and see what other documents he or she will need to collect. Up-to-date information on short-term visas will be stored here, as well as a facility for paying fees.
The visas themselves will no longer be in paper format. It is unreliable, time-consuming and the number of forgeries increases every year. A barcode that can be scanned at border crossings will replace the sticker.
However, this is going to take a long time to switch over. It is expected to be in place within 7 years in EU member states.
Back in September 2020, the Commission introduced a new pact on migration and asylum. It aims to change visa procedures by embracing digitalisation. It provides for a digital visa system and online visa applications.
The Schengen Strategy, announced in June 2021, underlines the importance of digitising visa procedures and travel documents to improve the management of the EU's external borders. With this aim, the Commission presented a legislative proposal to digitise visas on 27 April 2022.
