The European Parliament voted for the law on digitalization of visas: what will electronic Schengen visas change?
The European Union is ready to implement digital transformation of visa procedures in the Schengen area. This initiative is aimed at facilitating and speeding up the application process, as well as improving security. Learn more about the benefits of electronic Schengen visas
Soon, Schengen visas will become more secure and accessible, as members of the European Parliament (EP) have voted in favor of a law on the digital transformation of the visa application process.
Here's a look at what electronic Schengen visas will change.
The European Parliament voted in favor of the law on digitalization of visas: details
On October 18, a law was passed that provides for the introduction of digital procedures for obtaining Schengen visas. This initiative was supported by 573 deputies, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
In particular, MEPs emphasized the importance of inclusiveness and accessibility of the procedure, regardless of language skills, disability or limited access to the Internet.
According to the Parliament's statement, the digitalization of Schengen visa applications is aimed at reducing the effort and costs associated with the application process. In addition, the digitalization of the visa procedure will help create a common practice in the EU and increase the security of documents.
According to the new law, Schengen visa applications will be processed through a single online platform, allowing applicants to find out which Schengen member state will process their application when traveling between several countries.
Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok
What is the advantage of digital visas?
The new visas, which will be issued in a digital format with a cryptographic signature in the form of a 2D barcode, are much more secure than those used previously and are harder to fake, which guarantees a higher level of security.
Commenting on the adoption of the digital transformation of Schengen visa procedures, MEP Matjaž Nemec said that this step will make the visa process safer and more difficult to abuse.
He also emphasized that this initiative will reduce costs and simplify the procedure for all third-country nationals who need Schengen visas to enter the European bloc.
"Europe is currently lagging behind our neighbors in digital visa procedures. With this reform, we will catch up and make the procedure cheaper and easier for applicants. This single EU visa on a single platform will become a building block for Europe as a single geographical entity," said Matjaž Nemec.
Despite some exceptions, Schengen visa applications will be submitted through a single website that will automatically direct applicants to the relevant visa processing systems.
On this online portal, applicants will be able to enter the necessary data, upload copies of travel documents and pay the visa fee without leaving their homes. The website will also notify applicants of visa decisions, providing information on approval or denial.
The platform will also automatically determine the country that will process the application for those who intend to visit several Schengen Member States, but applicants will still be able to specify which Member State they wish to have their application processed according to the purpose of their travel.
We remind you! Travelers to Europe should check the status of their flights before departure, especially those planning a trip to France and Spain. Find out more about where there is a risk of flight cancellations due to strikes in our article.
Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.
Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip:
Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;
Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;
Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;
Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;
Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
© 2018-2023, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.
All rights reserved.
Recommended articles
2 min
Travel
Traveling to the Middle East: Is it safe to travel to Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia?
The conflict between Israel and Palestine risks expanding to other countries in the Middle East. Find out if it is safe to visit the region now and what safety measures tourists are advised to take
19 Oct. 2023
More details1 min
War
Tourism in time of war: the UN proposed to revive Ukraine's tourism industry
The WTO of the United Nations has proposed reviving inbound tourism in Ukraine. Find out more about what they plan to start with
19 Oct. 2023
More details2 min
Health
Electronic prescription can now be obtained without a visit to a doctor and for a period of 90 days
The Ministry of Health is changing the procedure for issuing e-prescriptions and extending their validity. Find out which medicines can now be issued without a visit to a doctor and for which groups of medicines the prescription will be valid for three times longer
20 Oct. 2023
More details2 min
Popular
How many people have used the Visit Ukraine portal?
Since 2021, Visit Ukraine has helped more than 23 million people from 196 countries to get the information they need. Find out more about the statistics and geography of requests and visitors on the VU website
20 Oct. 2023
More details
The simultaneous stay of visitors in the hotel lobby not more than one person per 10 square meters of serviceable area is allowed.
Persons can visit hotels and stay there (outside hotel room) only if they wear respirator or face mask (including homemade mask), so that the nose and mouth are covered.
Hotel guests are obliged to keep the 1.5 meters distance.
Online check-in making in advance is recommended to avoid queues at check-in to hotel.
Meals in hotels are provided through meals delivery service to rooms upon prior order or at hotel restaurants situated inside or in open areas, provided the distance of at least 1.5 meters between seats at adjacent tables.
Not more than 4 clients are allowed to stay at the table (excluding children under 14 years old). Unless these tables are separated by a special partition;
Self-serve is not allowed.