UAE residents who are planning to travel to the Schengen countries no longer have to endure long waits, lines or surrender their passports for visa processing in the near future.
According to a report, individuals traveling to the 27 EU countries may soon be able to apply for visas online, as there are plans underway to digitise the process.
A smoother, digital process
The European Union (EU) has reportedly adopted a new strategy to transition from physical Schengen visa applications and stickers to a digital system, as reported by Schengen Visa Info.
The EU Parliament approved the report on digitalising visa procedures in the Schengen area with 34 votes in favor, five against, and 20 abstentions. This move is aimed at speeding up the process, reducing costs and efforts for applicants, and improving security.
The move to streamline visa application procedures was welcomed by rapporteur Matjaž Nemec, who believes it will help to view the EU as a single entity.
The new system is designed to work harmoniously with the border management systems as well as databases of the EU, meaning that it would also reduce security risks.
“We want to deliver a modern, user-friendly digital solution for EU visa applications, along with simplified application procedures. Replacing the visa sticker with a digital visa would also reduce security risks posed by physical stickers, and a unified system would help people see the EU as a single geographical entity,” Nemec stressed.
The news about the new process was welcomed by many including international visa processing firm, VFS Global, which stated that they look forward to working with EU and Schengen governments to support their transformation journey. The digitalisation of the visa application process will ensure consistent practices throughout the EU and will be processed through a single online platform.
This digitisation streamlines the Schengen visa process for UAE travellers, eliminating the need for in-person visits to embassies, visa centres, or consulates.
MEPs aim to make the new system more user-friendly and have expressed a desire for more language options, protections for those with digital illiteracy and disabilities. They also aim to prevent visa rejections due to multiple applications being filed from the same IP address, which can occur in areas with poor internet connectivity.
They advocate for IP address processing or collection as part of the visa application. The EU Parliament is expected to announce negotiations, and if no objections are raised, discussions on final details can commence.
