A political agreement was reached this week between the European Parliament and the Council to enable the digitization of the Schengen visa procedure. This agreement is seen as a key element of the Schengen strategy presented by the Commission in June 2021. The agreed rules aim to modernize, simplify and harmonize visa procedures for third-country nationals applying for visas, and for the Member States that have to issue them.
The regulation includes the establishment of a single European platform for online visa applications. This platform will enable visa applicants to apply for a Schengen visa online, and to pay the applicable fees. visa fees identical, regardless of which Schengen country they wish to visit.
In addition, the new rules provide for the replacement of the Schengen visa sticker by a digital Schengen visa (barcode) which will also apply to long-stay visas. This visa will also be issued by EU countries that do not yet fully apply Schengen rules, such as 🇧🇬.Bulgaria🇷🇴Romania and 🇨🇾Cyprus.
Member States have a transition period of 7 years to join this platform. The regulation must now be formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council..
A step towards greater security in the Schengen area
According to Maria Malmer StenergardAccording to the Swedish Minister for Migration, who currently holds the six-month presidency of the EU Council, this agreement will enhance the security of the Schengen area, while making the process easier for applicants. Indeed, the agreement EU member states will no longer have to travel to consulates to carry out their procedures, saving considerable time and efficiency.
A new agreement expected to come into force soon
The agreement reached by the European Parliament and EU member states on the digitization of the Schengen visa procedure has yet to be formally ratified. Once this stage has been completed, applicants will be able to take advantage of the benefits offered by digitization, particularly for stays of less than three months.
What are the implications for travellers and member states?
Simplified procedures for travellers
For third-country nationals wishing to obtain a Schengen visa, this digitization represents a major step forward. From now on, they will be able to carry out all their procedures online, and benefit from a rapid and secure response. What's more, they'll be able to the single platform will greatly facilitate the processThis saves applicants having to visit different consulates or embassies.
Efficiency gains for member states
The agreement will also enable EU member states to manage Schengen visa applications more efficiently. Digitization will enable them to process applications faster and more securely, while reducing the risk of fraud or falsification.
A promising future for the Schengen visa procedure
Digitizing the Schengen visa procedure is therefore a major step forward, both for applicants and for EU member states. It should make it possible to strengthening the security of the Schengen areaIt also considerably simplifies procedures for travellers. It remains to be seen when the agreement officially comes into force, before its full impact can be measured in the field.
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