Brussels, 06/04/2010 (Agence Europe) - The waiting time for foreigners seeking to enter the Schengen area is now expected to be shortened. On Monday 5 April, Schengen area countries, which now count 22 EU member states, as well as Switzerland, Iceland and Norway, changed their procedures for awarding short stay visas (less than three months). Awarding these visas is therefore expected to be faster, easier and more transparent. The new visa code introduces a maximum deadline of two weeks to obtain a meeting and begin the request and a maximum of 15 calendar days for member states to make their final decision on the request. Another improvement includes reasons for refusals, which are often thought to be arbitrary by those making the request and an appeals procedure. The Schengen area black list is being kept. This allows countries to refuse visas to certain people throughout the area but a state can make case by case exceptions, particularly for humanitarian reasons. In 2008, more than 10 million Schengen short stay visas were awarded, with most visa requests being made for Germany, France and Italy. For further information: EUROPE 10109. (B.C./transl.fl)