Schengen Visa to go Digital

In a significant move towards modernization, EU foreign ministers have given their approval for the digitalization of Schengen visa applications, marking a departure from the traditional paper-based process. Application processes will be transformed by the new online platform, which will eliminate the requirement for in-person consultations at consulates and visits to the offices of service providers. Significantly, this transition will additionally eliminate the need to issue physical stamps in passports, thereby optimizing the overall process for passengers. The decision, which was reached following a legislative procedure spanning a month, is scheduled to be implemented three weeks following its prospective publication in the administrative gazette of the European Union.

How can you apply for Schengen Visa online?

In his capacity as the current EU presidency’s representative, Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska highlighted the objective of the online visa system, which is to streamline the application procedure for tourists. As soon as it goes into effect, the Schengen short-stay application process will need supporting documents, like travel documents with biometric data, to be sent electronically along with the required fee. After undergoing database cross-checks, approved applicants will be provided with a digitally signed barcode that can be utilized for storage or printing purposes. Applicants who are applying for the first time, have updated biometric information, or possess new passports may still be required to attend in-person appointments for further verification.

The shift towards a digitalized system reflects established procedures in certain nations, including Australia, where online visas are effortlessly associated with passports instead of physical stickers. As a result, applicants can anticipate increased efficiency and accessibility; this is consistent with wider international trends that favor the digital transformation in various sectors.

Some countries will need ETIAS

A subsequent prerequisite will be applicable to individuals from more than 60 nations, including Australia, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Britain, who presently have the opportunity to visit the Schengen area without a visa. Although Schengen visas will no longer be required, travelers from these nations will be required to submit an electronic application via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which is comparable to the United States ESTA system, in order to obtain pre-screened entry. By implementing ETIAS, travel authorization for eligible visitors to the Schengen Area will be streamlined, thereby increasing efficiency and security.

The broader context involves the implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated procedure that will be required of all individuals with visas or visa exemptions in addition to ETIAS who wish to enter the European Union. Nevertheless, the implementation of EES has encountered setbacks. The Schengen Area consists of 23 of the 27 member states of the European Union, in addition to the neighboring states of Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland.

The implementation of a paperless, digitalized Schengen visa application process represents a significant advancement in the improvement of security, accessibility, and efficiency. The EU intends to enhance the efficiency of its entry authorization systems while simultaneously guaranteeing a more streamlined experience for travelers through the adoption of modern trends in digital transformation. As these changes unfold, they are likely to have a lasting impact on the landscape of international travel, setting a precedent for more countries to embrace digital solutions in visa processing.

ALSO READ: Turkey Launches e-Visa Service For Pakistani Tourists: Here’s How To Apply?