With the decision taken by the EU Council, the political process for the start of the “digital Schengen visa” application has been completed, and all that remains is the technical regulations.
The decisions taken today will be published in the EU Official Journal after they are signed and will come into force 20 days later. When the digital visa applications will start will be announced when the technical work on the visa platform is completed.
CAN BE DOWNLOADED ON MOBILE DEVICES
When the EU’s new application comes into force, visas affixed to passports will become digital and will be issued over the internet as a 2D barcode. Visas can be downloaded to mobile devices. Visa applicants will be able to request a visa in many languages online.
With the new system, applications will be processed through a single internet platform. Digital copies of the required documents will be uploaded via this platform, and the visa fee will be paid here.
Applicants will be informed which country received the application if they wish to visit multiple countries. The system will work in harmony with the border management systems and databases of EU countries.
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 go to the consulates of the Schengen countries. (AA)
