Visit Ukraine - The European Parliament voted for the law on digitalization of visas: what will electronic Schengen visas change?

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20 Oct. 2023

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The European Parliament voted for the law on digitalization of visas: what will electronic Schengen visas change?

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The European Parliament voted in favor of the law on digitalization of visas: details

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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

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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.

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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.

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FAQ

- - What COVID documents do I need to have with me when entering Ukraine now?
    On July 1, 2023, the Ukrainian authorities lifted the quarantine and other restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From now on, you do not need to provide proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test result or wear a protective mask to enter Ukraine.
  - Is it safe to visit Ukraine during the war?
    Recently, the number of foreign travelers has increased in Ukraine. They visit the country for various purposes: volunteering, participating in humanitarian programs, filming reports or documentaries, setting up a business, etc. There are currently no cities in Ukraine that are completely safe. And although the main fighting is concentrated in the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine, the entire country is subject to regular rocket attacks.
  - What are your safety recommendations before traveling to Ukraine?
    Here are some important tips:
    • Make electronic copies of all documents and save them on your electronic device so that you always have access to them.
    • Find out in advance the curfew time in the region where you are going.
    • Install the Air Alert app on your smartphone and, upon receiving the signal, immediately go to the nearest shelter. You should also do the same if you hear the corresponding signal on the street.
    • When choosing a hotel, consider the availability of bomb shelters.
    • Inform your family and friends about your route and keep in touch with them.
    • Take out health insurance with extended coverage.
    Do foreigners need to register their stay in Ukraine?
    No, if the period of stay in the country is no more than 90 days. If a foreigner arrives for a period longer than 90 days, in this case, he or she needs a temporary or permanent residence permit, as well as registration at the place of residence.
    Can I enter Ukraine with an expired residence permit?
    Yes. Foreigners (except for citizens of the Russian Federation) and stateless persons have the right to enter and legally stay in Ukraine if they have a temporary or permanent residence permit that has expired or is subject to exchange after February 24, 2022.
    How to enter Ukraine with pets?
    Currently, entry to Ukraine with pets is subject to a simplified procedure. Pet owners must provide the following documents to customs:
    • a veterinary passport of the European standard or a certificate of animal health;
    • proof of valid rabies vaccination;
    • a document on the animal's chipping.
    How do I enter Ukraine with my own car with foreign registration?
    Foreign citizens can import cars with foreign license plates into the territory of Ukraine exclusively for their own use. To cross the border in a car with foreign registration, you need the following documents:
    • foreign passport;
    • driver's license;
    • certificate of registration for the car with valid insurance;
    • international automobile insurance card "Green Card".
    Important: foreign nationals with a residence permit in Ukraine may import a car with foreign license plates for their own use after a written declaration and payment of customs duties.
    What happens to foreigners and stateless persons who are not allowed to enter Ukraine?
    Foreigners and stateless persons who are not allowed to enter Ukraine, when attempting to enter Ukraine at a checkpoint across the state border of Ukraine, do not cross the state border of Ukraine and return as soon as possible to the state from which they came or to the state that issued their passport document. If it is not possible to return a foreigner or stateless person immediately, they stay at the checkpoint across the state border of Ukraine until their return.
    What should I do if I have been banned from entering Ukraine?
    If you become aware of a ban on entry to Ukraine while trying to pass passport control at the border of Ukraine, you should politely ask for a decision to refuse to cross the border, indicating the specific reason for the entry ban. You can appeal the decision to deny entry within 30 days from the date of familiarization with it. It is strictly forbidden to argue with border guards or violate the rules of stay at the checkpoint, otherwise you may be held administratively liable. You should remember the rules of staying at the checkpoint.
  Insurance policy
  Is insurance required to enter Ukraine?
  All foreign citizens are required to have an insurance policy covering the costs of Covid-19 treatment in Ukraine.
  For how long do I have to take out an insurance policy?
  According to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1236, an insurance policy must be issued for the entire period of stay in Ukraine. The minimum period is not specified.
  Where can I get acquainted with the terms of the insurance contract?
  You can familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the insurance contract on our website in the section on insurance policy issuance.
  Is it necessary to buy an insurance policy for children?
  Yes, if a child has foreign citizenship, regardless of age, he or she must have an insurance policy for the entire period of stay in Ukraine.
  I am a foreign citizen, can I buy a policy in Ukraine?
  No, the insurance policy must be presented at the border control.
  What is war risk insurance and what war risks does it cover?
  This policy guarantees monetary compensation in the event of an accident as a result of military operations, passive military risks, terrorist acts, including emergency care, outpatient treatment, hospitalization and repatriation of the insured person (or his/her body in case of death) from the place of stay to the place of his/her permanent residence.
  Who can take out insurance?
  The insurance policy applies to foreign nationals, citizens of another state and stateless persons. There are no age restrictions: minors and people over 70 can buy insurance. In addition, insurance is mandatory for journalists, reporters, correspondents, opinion leaders, and media representatives. This is enshrined in the Law of Ukraine on Insurance (Article 7).
  What is the territory covered by the insurance policy covering war risks?
  The insurance policy is valid on the territory of Ukraine, except for the temporarily occupied territories of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, as well as the territories of direct combat operations (front line).
  Are there any restrictions on the validity period of the insurance policy covering war risks?
  The insurance contract comes into force from the moment the insurance premium is paid in full, but not before the date and time of crossing the state border of Ukraine. You choose the duration of the insurance - it depends on the number of days of your stay in Ukraine.
  I can't pay for the insurance, what should I do?
  If your payment fails, we recommend contacting your bank, as they often do not trust payment systems. You need to confirm that it is you who is making the transaction.
  I have taken out insurance, but I have not received a code. What should I do?
  In this case, we advise you to reload the page, clear the cache, change the language on the page, or use a different browser.
  What should I do if the policy does not arrive at the specified mail for more than 30 minutes?
  Please contact the hotline and provide the data that was specified when applying for insurance.
  Do I need to print out the electronic policy?
  You do not need to print out the electronic insurance policy. It is enough to save it to your phone or tablet to always have access to the document and present it to border control representatives.
  What should I do if I have purchased a policy but my trip is canceled?
  Please inform the portal hotline about the reasons for the trip cancellation and we will be happy to reschedule the dates for you.
  What should I do if I provided incorrect data when applying for an insurance policy?
  You can always contact the portal hotline and we will make the necessary changes to the insurance policy free of charge and promptly.