The European Commission has unveiled its plan to digitalize the Schengen visa, aiming to replace the existing paper-based application system. This move is expected to streamline the visa application process for EU and Schengen countries.

Simplified Online Application

The digitalization of the Schengen visa will introduce a simplified online application process. This approach is similar to the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), set to launch in late 2022.

Current Status

Currently, the proposal for the digitalization of the Schengen visa is under discussion within the European Parliament and Council. The development of the online visa system is anticipated to commence in 2024, with the objective of achieving full operational capability by 2026.

Transition Period

Following the implementation of the new unified system, individual Schengen member states will have a transition period of 5 years. During this time, they will gradually shift from the existing visa application methods to the digital platform. The goal is to process all Schengen visa applications digitally by 2031.

By embracing digitalization, the European Commission aims to enhance efficiency and accessibility, simplifying the visa application process for travelers to the EU and Schengen countries.

Why did the European Union decide to digitize the Schengen Visa?

The EU Commission has decided to bring the Schengen visa application process online. This decision was made due to the outdated nature of the current method, which requires applicants to travel to an embassy or consulate in person to submit an application and receive a physical visa sticker on their passport.

The coronavirus pandemic highlighted the inconvenience of the current application process, as it became virtually impossible for applicants to physically attend an embassy appointment. This led to a slowdown in Schengen visa operations worldwide. As a result, member states have renewed their calls to accelerate the digitization process.

• Many Schengen countries still require visa applicants to travel to an embassy or consulate in person to submit an application.
• This inconvenient process was highlighted during the coronavirus pandemic.
• Some Schengen countries have created their own digital portals, but they are not unified and have led to the practice of ‘visa shopping’.
• Member states have renewed their calls to accelerate the digitization process.

Overall, the digitization of the Schengen visa process is essential to make it more convenient and efficient for travelers.

Who is responsible for creating the Digital Schengen Visa Platform?

The digitalization of the Schengen visa is being handled by EU-LISA, The European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice.

Creation of the Digital Schengen Visa Platform

The cost of creating the platform is an estimated €33.8 to €41.2 million. Yearly costs are expected to be between €10.5 to €12.8 million. It is estimated that each EU state will initially need to invest between €2.5 million to €3 million and then €270,000 and €330,000 yearly. This is a significant investment, but most member states are in agreement that the platform is long overdue and necessary in the long-term. The Commission has also stressed that costs will depend on the number of visa applications received per year.

Functioning of the Electronic Schengen Visa Application

The Electronic Schengen Visa Application will allow applicants to submit their visa applications online, eliminating the need for physical paperwork. It will provide a streamlined and efficient process for visa issuance. The platform will allow applicants to complete the necessary forms, upload required documents, and make payments electronically. This digital approach aims to simplify the visa application process, enhance security, and reduce administrative burdens for both applicants and authorities.

Eligibility for the Online Schengen Visa Application

• The online Schengen Visa application will be available to individuals who require a Schengen visa to travel to the Schengen area.
• It will cater to various types of visas, including tourist visas, business visas, and other short-stay visas.
• The specific eligibility criteria and requirements for using the online application will be determined by each member state, taking into account their national policies and procedures.
• It is important for applicants to carefully review the guidelines and instructions provided by the respective member state's embassy or consulate regarding the online application process.

How will the Electronic Schengen Visa Application work?

The European Union (EU) has taken the initiative to digitize the Schengen visa application process, streamlining and simplifying the experience for travelers. The new online platform enables applicants to submit their visa applications and related documents conveniently from a single location.

Benefits of the Digital Platform

1. Centralized Application Submission: The online platform allows applicants to submit their Schengen visa application regardless of their destination country within the Schengen Area or the type of visa they require.
2. Digital Document Submission: Applicants can upload all necessary supporting documents in a digital format, eliminating the need for physical paperwork.
3. Secure Online Payment: The platform offers a secure payment system, enabling applicants to conveniently pay the Schengen visa fee online.

Streamlined Application Processing

1. Determining Processing Authority: For applicants planning to visit multiple Schengen countries, the platform automatically determines the responsible country for processing the visa application. It then forwards the request to the relevant national authority.
2. Online Application Completion: In most cases, applicants can complete the entire application process online without the need for embassy visits or in-person appointments.
3. Biometric Data Collection: First-time applicants or individuals with outdated biometric data may be required to visit an embassy to provide their biometric identifiers.

By digitalizing the Schengen visa application process, the EU aims to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and convenience for travelers while maintaining the necessary security measures.

Who can utilize the Online Schengen Visa Application?

The digital Schengen visa application is set to revolutionize the visa application process for foreign citizens traveling to any of the 26 Schengen countries. Once implemented, this digital platform will streamline and simplify the visa application procedure, offering greater convenience and efficiency to applicants.

Inclusion and Exclusion

• Digital Schengen visa application available for all foreign citizens requiring a visa for any of the 26 Schengen countries.
• Non-Schengen countries will benefit from reduced paperwork and quicker processing times.
• Five non-Schengen EU countries, including Ireland, will not be included in the digital platform.
• Pending members of the Schengen Area, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania, will not be included due to a lack of authority to issue Schengen visas.
• Travelers to these countries will need to follow existing visa application procedures.

Visa-Exempt Travelers

Travelers who are exempt from visas for the Schengen Area will not be required to use the digital Schengen visa application platform. Instead, individuals from these visa-exempt countries will be required to submit an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization application by the end of 2022. This new requirement aims to enhance security and facilitate smoother travel processes for visa-exempt visitors.

In conclusion, the digital Schengen visa application will offer a convenient and efficient way for foreign citizens to apply for visas to visit any of the 26 Schengen countries. However, it is essential to be aware of the specific countries that will not be included in the platform and the alternate requirements for visa-exempt travelers.