Schengen visas for travel to European Union countries are becoming digital. In the near future, visa applications will be made online.
The Schengen visa applications required for travel to European Union (EU) countries will be able to be made online in the near future. The new measure, proposed by the European Commission after the coronavirus outbreak, aims to make the visa application process easier and more resistant to fraud and theft.
The Commission’s “digital visa” proposal was adopted by the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee. The new regulation, to be discussed by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, is expected to start in 2026.
The European Commission aims for all EU members to use digital visa applications after a five-year transition period, starting from 2031 when the Schengen implementation will be included.
What are the details regarding the digitization of the Schengen visa,
Which is applied for by approximately one million people each year?
The need for a digital visa application arose because the member states called on the European Commission to accelerate the digitization of visa processes after visa applications were suspended during the Covid 19 pandemic.
The Commission has prepared a proposal for digital visa applications aimed at making the visa policy for third-country nationals traveling to the Schengen Area “more modern, customer-friendly, and secure.”
When will the digital visa application become effective?
According to the result of negotiations between the Council of the EU and the European Parliament, the development of the digital visa application platform via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will start in 2024. Applications can become operational in 2026. After a five-year transition period, all Member States will start using the digital visa application system in 2031.
Will it be easier to obtain a visa with a digital application?
The new regulation will make it easier to apply for a visa. Applicants will not have to go to consulates or embassies. However, there will be no change in the required documents and assessment conditions. Applications of those who do not meet the necessary conditions will be rejected.
How will the digital Schengen visa be applied for?
People in need of a Schengen visa will first create a secure account on the system. They will fill out the application form and upload the required documents through this account. They will then complete their applications by paying the visa fee online.
The system will automatically direct the application to the Schengen country where the main destination of the trip is located.
Applicants can track the status of their applications on the platform. Once the visa is approved, applicants will have access to their visas online. If necessary, the visa validity can also be extended online.
Applicants can receive necessary support during the process via chat boxes and frequently asked questions applications.
Will the digital visa be more secure?
According to the European Commission, paper visas imprinted on passports are more susceptible to fraud and theft, which pose a risk to the security of the EU. The digital visa will be a type of electronic file in the Visa Information System and as such, counterfeiting and fraud can now be prevented.
Applications for paper-based visas outside of the digital environment can still be made.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa to Enter Europe?
To apply for a Schengen Visa to travel to Europe, you first need to find out if you need a visa, depending on the reason for the trip and your nationality. If you need to get a schengen visa, then you need to determine your travel plan, how many days you plan to stay in the Schengen Area, the countries you will visit (if there are more than one), the country you will enter and the country from which you will exit.
After completing them, you need to review all the European visa application requirements that you need to meet and start the process of making a schengen visa appointment at one of the Schengen consulates in your country.
Member Countries of the Schengen Area
Croatia
Belgium
Austria
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Maltese
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Liechtenstein
How to get schengen visa? 6 steps, click for detailed information
Hello, i am currently living in pakistan. I want to apply for schengen viza but here in pakistan its difficult for me to find a trust able consultant who can apply a viza for me they are offering very high prices for the viza. I need this viza to find a job there so that i can run my basic needs here. I will be very thankful if someone can help me
I’m sorry to hear that you’re having trouble finding a reliable visa consultant in Pakistan. However, it’s important to note that the Schengen visa application process is typically handled directly through the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to visit.
To apply for a Schengen visa, you will need to submit your application along with supporting documentation directly to the appropriate embassy or consulate. The specific requirements and procedures for applying for a Schengen visa can vary depending on the country you wish to visit, so it’s important to consult the embassy or consulate’s website for detailed information.
In addition, you may want to consider seeking assistance from organizations that provide guidance and support for visa applications. For example, you may want to contact the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Pakistan, which offers visa application assistance services for a fee. Alternatively, you may want to seek assistance from a lawyer or immigration consultant who is familiar with the Schengen visa application process.
It’s also worth noting that the Schengen visa is typically intended for short-term stays for purposes such as tourism, business, or visiting family and friends. If you’re hoping to work in a Schengen country, you may need to apply for a separate work visa or permit.
I hope this information is helpful, and I wish you the best of luck with your visa application.