Brussels, 30/03/2010 (Agence Europe) - European visa policy is about to undergo significant change, with the coming into force very shortly of the Visa Code. “As from 5 April, the conditions for issuing visas for the Schengen area to third-country nationals will become clearer, more precise, transparent and fairer. Getting an EU visa will become faster. The EU Visa Code will ensure that the application of EU visa law is fully harmonised,” said Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström on Tuesday 30 March. The Visa Code draws together all existing legal provisions on visas and lays down common rules on conditions and procedures for their issue in the Schengen area (comprising 22 member states and three associated states - Norway, Iceland and Switzerland). Among the improvements brought by the Visa Code, is the slim-lining of the uniform EU visa application form. It is also planned that the maximum deadline for an appointment to lodge a visa application at a Consulate will be two weeks. The member state will then have to take a final decision on the application within 15 calendar days. The Code will mean, too, that transit visas and short stay visas (for less than three months) will be merged. Similarly, long-stay visas (for periods of more than three months) will allow the same rights, in terms of moving around the Schengen area, as those enjoyed by residence permit holders. “D” visa holders will, then, be able to move freely for 90 days in any 180-day period. When an applicant proves the need to travel frequently and has the confidence of the Consulate, a long-stay visa which allows the person multiple entries will be delivered. If a limited territoriality visa has been delivered for humanitarian reasons, for reasons of strictly national interest or for reasons of international obligations, a derogation will allow validity to be extended to other countries, with the agreement of these other countries. The new Code will also allow other categories of applicants to be exempted from paying visa fees, usually set at €60. Children aged between six and 12 will only have to pay €35. The Code also enhances transparency and legal security. It requires that reasons be provided for rejecting visa applications and provides visa applicants with the opportunity to appeal against decisions. It also provides for EU delegations playing a larger role in coordinating cooperation between member states within the “local Schengen cooperation” in non-EU states. In order to ensure equal treatment for all visa applicants, the Commission has drafted a guide on handling visa applications (which it adopted on 19 March 2010) which will be made available to all consular staff of member states. In 2008, more than 10 million Schengen visas were delivered by countries belonging to the free movement area. (B.C./transl.rt)