EU to digitalise Schengen Visa: UAE residents can soon apply online

Spain’s Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, whose country currently holds the presidency of the Council, stated that the online visa system will “simplify the application process for travellers, at the same time, will ease the burden on national administrations, which will be able to respond more quickly and effectively”.

While there are over 61 non-EU countries which have a visa-free regime with the EU, citizens of other countries are required to apply for a Schengen visa. If you are not eligible for visa-free travel within the Schengen zone, here are how the new changes will affect you.

Three major updates to the Schengen Visa

1. Now apply for your visa entirely online

According to a statement issued by the Council of the EU, a new EU visa application platform will be developed, and applications for Schengen visas will be made through that platform.

On the platform, visa applicants will be able to enter all the relevant data, upload digital copies of their travel documents and supporting documents, and pay their visa fees.

2. No more visits to consulates or visa service providers, except for first-time applicants

As per the latest regulations, in-person appearances at consulates will become redundant.

In-person appearances will only be necessary for first-time applicants, individuals whose biometric data are no longer valid and people with a new travel document.

3. No visa sticker on passport

Visa stickers will no longer be placed on applicants’ passports. The visas will now be issued in a digital format, as a 2D barcode, cryptographically signed. This will reduce security risks related to counterfeit and stolen visa stickers, according to the Council of the EU.

When will the new changes come into effect?

As per the announcement, once the regulations are signed, “it will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and will enter into force on the twentieth day after publication.

“The date of application of the new rules will be decided when technical work on the visa platform and the digital visa has been concluded.”