Schengen visas - digital visas

Schengen visas will soon become more secure and accessible as Members of the EU Parliament (MEPs) voted in favor of a law on the digitalization of visas.
The law on the digitalization of Schengen visas was voted on October 18. Parliament approved the procedure for obtaining digital visas for the Schengen area with 573 votes in favor, 36 against and 16 abstentions.
In their proposal, MEPs insisted on inclusiveness as well as accessibility, regardless of language skills, disabilities or poor internet access.
As noted in Parliament, by digitizing the application process for Schengen visas, the authorities are aiming to reduce the effort and costs required to apply. Moreover, digitalization of the visa procedure will ensure harmonious practices throughout the EU and at the same time increase document security.
Under the newly passed law, Schengen visa applications will be processed on a single online platform that will allow applicants to know which Schengen member country will receive their application in case of multi-country travel.
In addition, the new cryptographic signature visas, which will be issued digitally in the form of a 2D barcode, are more secure than the current ones and are more difficult to counterfeit, providing greater security.
Commenting on the approval of the digitalization of the Schengen visa procedure, speaker Matjaz Nemec said that the process will now become more secure, as the new law will make it more difficult to abuse the system.
They also emphasized that the entire process will be simpler and cheaper for all third-country citizens who need a Schengen visa to enter the bloc.
“Europe currently lags behind our peers in digital visa procedures. With this reform we will catch up and the whole process will become cheaper and easier for applicants. This will also make it more difficult to abuse the system and make the process more secure. This single EU visa on a single platform will be the building block of Europe as a single geographical entity.” Speaker Matjaz Nemec
While there will still be some exceptions, applications for Schengen visas will be made through a single website, which will then redirect all applicants to the appropriate visa systems.
This one-stop website will allow applicants to enter required details, download copies of travel documents and pay visa fees from the comfort of their home.
Through the same website, Schengen visa applicants will receive notification of their visa decision – whether their visa has been approved or rejected.
The platform will automatically identify the country that will process the application for those who intend to visit multiple Schengen member countries. However, applicants will still be able to indicate whether their application should be processed by a specific Member State in accordance with the purpose of their travel.