Life
The European Union has approved groundbreaking changes to the Schengen Visa process, ushering in a new era of convenience for travellers.
Soon, applicants will experience a seamless online application system, eliminating the need for consulate visits and the hassle of visa stickers on passports.
Spain’s Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, emphasized the simplified process, highlighting that the digital shift aims to benefit both travelers and national administrations.
The future EU visa application platform promises a user-friendly interface where applicants can effortlessly input details, upload digital documents, and complete fee payments.
Notably, the era of in-person consulate visits will fade away, with exceptions limited to first-time applicants, individuals with outdated biometric data, and those holding new travel documents.
Furthermore, the traditional visa stickers will be replaced by a secure digital format using a 2D barcode with cryptographic signatures, a move aimed at minimizing security risks associated with counterfeit and stolen stickers.
While the effective date awaits publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, these transformative changes signify a significant leap forward in streamlining the Schengen Visa process.
