Schengen Visas: Five key things to know about digital visa

SCHENGEN VISAS TO BE DIGITALISED

The European Union Council has given the go-ahead to digitalise the application process for Schengen visas for anyone wanting to to travel to any of Europe’s Schengen areas.

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HERE ARE FIVE CHANGES THAT WILL COME WITH THE NEW ONLINE PROCESS:

1. Applicants won’t have to collect and print out the many documents needed

As per SchengenVisaInfo, applicants will no longer have to present proof of documents physically, as the digital form of them will be enough to proceed with applications. Documents such as passports, digital biometric photos, flight tickets and proof of accomodation will be scanned onto the platform.

2. Visa fees will be paid online

Fees will reportedly remain the same.

3. All procedures will be able to be completed on one single platform

The new platform is said to be able to determine which Schengen country is responsible for processing the application, and then forward it to the respective authorities. The platform will also allow for only one application for different Schengen countries.

GOOD NEWS: Schengen Visas: Online applications coming SOON

4. Only first-time applicants will have to apply in-person

While most applicants will not have to visit consulates to apply for the visa, those applying for a Schengen Visa for the very first time, those whose biometric data is not valid anymore, and those who have a new travel document will still have to apply in person.

5. Visa stickers will be replaced with digital barcodes

Travellers will no longer have visa stickers posted in their passport pages, as these will be replaced with digital barcodes instead.