Published on : April 28, 2022
On April 27, 2022, the European Commission came up with the proposal - through the New Pact of Migration and Asylum - that visa travel to the EU be made easier. The proposals include -
By 2025, there is proposed to be a complete digitalization of visa procedures.
The proposal of the Commission will now be open for discussion by the European Parliament and the Council. Five years will then be given to the Schengen Member States to switchover to the common online visa platform. The development of the platform is expected to commence in 2024, becoming operational in 2026. Keeping in view the five-year transition period, all Schengen Member States can be using the common online visa platform in 2031.
With the proposed changes in the Schengen visa application process, the EU will provide “a quick, safe and web-based EU visa application platform” for the nationals of 102 third countries that require a Schengen visa for traveling to the EU for tourism or on business.
Several Schengen Member Countries have already taken steps for moving visa applications online. However, there are differences in the extent to which this has been achieved. Only some Schengen countries offer online Schengen visa fee payment.
Through digitalization, the following changes will come about in the Schengen visa process -
Why is the European Commission proposing to introduce online Schengen visa applications?
The EU’s visa policy will be developed as a tool towards a more modern, customer-friendly and secure way of managing visits overseas by third-country nationals to the Schengen Area.
What are the Schengen visa changes proposed by the European Commission?
Visa changes proposed by the European Commission are for -
After Schengen visa digitalization, can I still submit paper-based application?
All Schengen visa applications will have to be submitted digitally via the EU Visa Application platform. However, paper-based applications would still be accepted in individual cases and for humanitarian reasons.
Will I have to go to the consulate in person to apply for a Schengen visa?
With the proposed digitalization, all applicants will be able to submit their application completely online. A visit to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) or consulate will be needed only if biometrics are required.
Will it be easier to get a Schengen visa with digitalization?
While it will become easier to apply, the conditions to be met as well as the subsequent examination process will remain the same.
Who will build and manage the future Schengen application platform?
The proposed EU Visa Application platform will be built and maintained by eu-LISA (European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice).
What will the application process be via the EU Visa Application platform?
What are the benefits of a single European portal for Schengen visas?
A single application platform offers a seamless application procedure regardless of the Schengen country to be visited. All submitted applications can be accessed in one place.
What happens to the existing national portals?
The national portals will be gradually phased out during a transition period and replaced by a single application platform at the EU level.
When will the new Schengen visa system become operational?
In the year 2031, considering the five-year transition period. The platform will become operational in 2026, the development of the same beginning in 2024.
Which Schengen countries will be a part of the proposed digitalized EU visa process?
The digitalization of Schengen visa and the EU Visa Application platform will be applicable for 26 countries in total - Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Portugal, Sweden, Austria, Malta, Slovakia, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Czech Republic, Latvia, Finland, Lithuania, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Topics: Visit
Immigration on your mind? Want to study or work abroad? Remaining updated with...
Canada’s New Brunswick province targets multi-sector international recruitment....
Saskatchewan Holds the First SINP Draw of 2024
Kansas Overseas Careers Pvt Ltd is NOT a RECRUITMENT / PLACEMENT AGENCY, we neither assist in any kind of Job / employment offers nor do guarantee any kind of domestic/International placements.
Eligibility Check
Canada PR Calculator
Australia PR Points
Visit Visa
Germany
Hong Kong
Services
Migrate
Study
Counselling
Online Payment