The European Council and the European Parliament have taken an important step towards the digital visa. According to the agreed bill, when the new law comes into force, the marks will no longer be affixed to passports, but will be sent over the internet as a 2D barcode. Visas can be downloaded to mobile devices. Visa applicants will be able to apply for a visa in many languages online.
WILL BE PROCESSED FROM A SINGLE PLATFORM
With the new system, applications will be processed through a single internet platform. The necessary documents will be uploaded through this platform, and the visa fee can be deposited here. Applicants will be notified which country received the application when they wish to visit multiple countries. The system will work in harmony with the border management systems and databases of EU countries.
FIRST TIME VISA APPLICATIONS…
Only those who apply for a visa for the first time, those whose biometric data are not valid and those who have new passports will have to physically go to the consulates of Schengen countries. With the digitalization of Schengen visas, it is aimed to reduce costs and speed up and facilitate visa applications. At the same time, the EU aims to increase the security of the Schengen area.
After the draft law is officially approved by the European Council and the European Parliament, it will be published in the official journal of the EU and will enter into force 20 days after its publication. (AA)