The Council‘s negotiating mandate for the digitalization of the visa process was approved by EU member states ambassadors. The proposal entails a digital visa, which will replace the current visa sticker and enable online visa application. The goal is to enhance the visa application process’s efficiency and the security of the Schengen area. EU eVisa

A digital Schengen visa will make it easier for legitimate travellers to apply and will at the same time help make the Schengen area safer. Online applications will reduce the number of trips to the consulate for travellers and make the process smoother for national administrations. At the same time, the digital visa will put an end to the risk of falsification and theft of the visa sticker, said Maria Malmer Stenergard, Swedish Minister for Migration.

Schengen Visa Applications Go Digital with New Online Platform

The proposed new rules will create a visa application platform. All applications for Schengen visas will be made through this platform, a single website, which will forward them to the relevant national visa systems. On this platform, visa applicants will be able to introduce all relevant data, upload electronic copies of their travel- and supporting documents, and pay their visa fees. They will also be notified of the decisions concerning their visa. In-person appearance at the consulate will only be necessary for first-time applicants, persons whose biometric data are no longer valid and those with a new travel document.

When a person intends to visit several Schengen countries, the platform will automatically determine which one of them is responsible for examining the application on the basis of the duration of stay.

However, the applicant can also indicate which member state should process their application based on the purpose of travel.

The proposed new rules will issue visas in a digital format, as a 2D barcode that has a cryptographic signature.

This will reduce security risks related to counterfeit and stolen visa stickers.

Background and next steps EU eVisa

Recent migration and security challenges have significantly transformed the context of the EU’s visa policy. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic considerably slowed down visa operations and created the need for more digital procedures.

At the same time, technological developments provide new security features and opportunities to make procedures smoother and more effective, both for visa applicants and national authorities.

In this context, the Commission submitted on 27 April 2022 a legislative proposal aimed at digitalizing the visa procedure.

On the basis of the negotiating mandate agreed the Council presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament to agree on the final wording. EU eVisa