Key Points
- The European Parliament and European Council jointly agreed on enacting digitization measures under the Schengen visa procedures
Overview
The European Parliament and European Council jointly agreed on enacting digitization measures under the Schengen visa procedures. The procedures will modernize the following aspects of the Schengen visa procedures:
- The creation of a single EU Online visa application platform. Through the platform, applicants will be able to apply for a Schengen and pay for the visa online.
- The platform will provide applicants with a secure account. Through the platform, applicants will receive decisions on their application, along with status updates.
- The platform will also contain up-to-date information on Schengen short-stay visas and all necessary information regarding the requirements and procedures (such as supporting documents, visa fees, or the need for an appointment to collect biometric identifiers).
- The platform will also automatically determine which Schengen country is responsible for examining an application when the intended visit includes several Member States.
- Replacement of the Schengen visa sticker with a digital Schengen visa (encrypted 2D barcode) which will also apply for long-stay visas. It will also be issued by EU countries not yet entirely using the Schengen rules (Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus).
EU member states will be given seven years to join the platform formally. For further information on the proposal, check here.
What are the Changes?
According to the announcement, the agreed rules will modernize, simplify, and harmonize the visa procedures for non-EU nationals applying for a visa and for the Member States needing to grant such visas through digitalization.
Looking Ahead
Once formally adopted by the Parliament and Council, the act can be published in the EU Official Journal. It will enter into force on the twentieth day after publication. Continue to check the European Parliament’s website for the latest updates and information.
Written by: Jessie Butchley, Global Immigration Writer, Envoy Global
Source: The European Parliament
