The European Union (EU) is considering digitizing the Schengen visa application process. This would imply that most travels, including from India, would not need to make an appointment, visit the VFS in person or wait in long lines to submit an application. Instead, all document submission process could be completed online, and visas could be obtained online as well.
On march 29, 2023 the EU Council issued a press release stating that the ambassadors of EU member states had agreed to the council’s negotiating mandate for a proposal to digitalize the visa procedure. The proposal would allow people to apply for visas online and replace the current visa sticker with digital visa.
Reasons For Digitization:
Digitization of Schengen visa process aims to make visa application procedure more efficient and to improve the security of the Schengen area. According to Maria Malmer Stenergard, Swedish Minister for Migration, the digital Schengen visa will make it easier for legitimate travelers 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 travelers 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.
Proposed Changes:
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- 1.Single Visa Application Platform
- 2.Electronic Submission of Document
- 3.Automatic Processing
- 4.Online Notification of Decision
However, the first-time applicants or those with new travel documents invalid biometric date will still need to appear in person at the consulate to make their application.
Next Steps:
On the basis of the negotiating mandate agreed on 29 March, 2023 the Council presidency will start negotiation with the European Parliament to agree on the final wording.
