According to a press release (see EUROPE 12940/8), negotiators from the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament reached agreement on Tuesday 13 June on the draft regulation aimed at digitalising the procedure for issuing visas.
The regulation introduces the possibility of applying for a visa online and replaces the current visa sticker with a digital visa to make the application process more efficient and improve security in the Schengen area.
These rules will create a new European platform for visa applications. With a few exceptions, Schengen visa applications will be submitted via this platform, a standalone website, which will forward them to the relevant national visa systems.
Visa applicants will be able to enter all relevant data, upload electronic copies of their travel documents and supporting evidence and pay visa fees. They will also be informed of decisions concerning their visa.
Appearing in person at the consulate will only be necessary for first-time applicants, persons whose biometric data is no longer valid and those with a new travel document. When a person intends to travel to several countries in the Schengen area, the platform will automatically determine which of these countries is responsible for processing the application, depending on the duration of the stay.
Visas will be issued in digital form, as a 2D barcode, and cryptographically signed. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)