Soon, travelers seeking Schengen visas to visit European countries will be able to do so through a digital platform, thanks to an amendment approved by European foreign ministers on Monday.
This transition to digital processes means that travelers will no longer need to affix a visa sticker to their passports or schedule appointments at consulates or visa processing centers.
The move towards digitalization marks a significant step in simplifying the visa application process for those planning to visit Schengen Area countries.
This transformation comes after an extensive legislative process and is expected to be implemented following the technical work on the visa platform, which is estimated to take several months.
Once completed, the amendment will be published in the European Union’s official gazette.
The Schengen Area comprises 23 of the 27 European Union member states, along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. It enables passport-free travel within its borders.
Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Spain’s Minister of the Interior, currently holding the EU presidency, emphasized that the electronic visa system would simplify the application process for travelers.
Under the new system, travelers embarking on short-term journeys will be able to upload documents, electronic copies of travel-related papers, and biometric information, and make payments through the online platform.
Upon approval of their applications, after cross-referencing with the database, applicants will receive an encrypted code that can be printed or stored electronically.
However, some first-time applicants or those with new passports or modified biometric data may still be required to attend in-person appointments.
Several countries, including Australia, have implemented similar electronic visa systems, eliminating the need for visa stickers and affixing them to passports.
In most cases, citizens of around 60 countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States, do not require Schengen visas for short stays.
Future Developments:
In the near future, travelers from these countries may need to apply online for an entry visa due to the delayed implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), a pre-screening system similar to the US ESTA program. ETIAS is expected to begin operating by mid-2025.
Furthermore, all travelers entering the European Union, whether with a visa or visa exemption, will find themselves subject to the European Entry/Exit System (EES).
This computerized system will record travelers’ biometric data, entry and exit dates, overstay cases, and instances of denied entry. The implementation of EES is anticipated to commence by the end of 2024.
The adoption of a digital Schengen visa and the forthcoming implementation of the European Entry/Exit System reflect Europe’s commitment to modernizing its travel and immigration procedures.
