The European Union (EU) is reportedly fast-tracking the digitalisation of its visa application procedure. The move is expected to have a profound impact on Schengen visa processing times, reducing waiting periods and administrative burdens for applicants.
Anitta Hipper, the European Commission Spokesperson for Home Affairs, reportedly shed light on the process, emphasising that digitalisation would revolutionise the way Schengen visas are applied for and issued.
One of the most significant changes is the elimination of physical document submission. When the Schengen visa application process goes fully online, applicants will no longer need to submit hard copies of their documents. This shift not only streamlines the process but also reduces the administrative hassle associated with handling paper applications and visa stickers.
Furthermore, Member States will transition to processing digital applications and issuing visas in a digital format.
The digitalisation effort stems from an agreement between the European Parliament and the Council. Its primary aim is to modernise, simplify, and harmonise visa procedures for both third-country nationals seeking visas and EU Member States responsible for granting them.
Hipper highlighted two key aspects of this modernisation:
- Streamlined procedures: The EU Visa Application platform will provide applicants with a standardised and seamless procedure, reducing the need for physical visits to consulates or visa application centres and thereby saving costs.
- Digital visa issuance: Schengen visas will be issued in a digital format and digitally linked to the traveler’s document. This eliminates the need to surrender the travel document for visa sticker placement and eliminates associated costs.
However, Hipper acknowledged that several challenges remain, such as the surge in visa applications post-pandemic, which has strained processing procedures. Delays, particularly during holiday periods, have been a concern.
To address these issues, the EU Commission has called upon Member States to bolster their operational capacities and increase appointment availability. Many Member States have reportedly responded by regularly updating their systems and adjusting staff levels to ensure timely processing of visa applications.
