EU Travel Ease for UAE Residents: No More Visa Stamps Required for EU Trips
The European Union (EU) has taken a significant step towards modernizing its visa application process with the approval of a new electronic system for Schengen visa applications and stickers. This groundbreaking development, anticipated to be fully operational by 2030, will see the implementation of a single EU online visa application platform called the EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP) [1][2].
The EU VAP is designed to streamline and unify visa applications across all Schengen states, providing an online platform for most steps in the process. Applicants will be able to apply for a Schengen visa online, regardless of the country they plan to visit [1][2]. Supporting documents can be uploaded digitally within the platform, and applicants can track the status of their visa application via the online portal [2].
Despite most of the process being online, applicants will need to appear in person only for biometric data collection (fingerprints and photo) if they are first-time applicants, if their biometric data have expired, or if they have a new travel document [1][2]. The physical visa sticker will be replaced by a digital visa, which includes a cryptographically signed barcode, making the visa easier to verify and more secure [1].
Considering the EU's multilingual policy, the platform is expected to support multiple EU languages to accommodate a broad user base from visa applicants worldwide. In-person support will also remain available at consulates and visa centers, ensuring personal assistance where needed [1][2]. The long transition period until 2035 allows member states to maintain national systems and support structures during the gradual migration to the EU-wide digital platform, ensuring no applicant is excluded due to lack of digital skills [1].
The digitalization of the visa application process is intended to help individuals see the EU as a single geographical entity. The European Commission is also working on the digitalization of travel documents (passports and EU ID cards) through an upcoming voluntary and free ‘EU Digital Travel Application’, set to launch around 2030, which will complement the digital visa system [1].
The new system has been welcomed by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), who have expressed concerns about visa applications being declined due to the same IP address, a problem they attribute to poor internet connection in certain areas. MEPs propose refining or collecting IP addresses as part of the visa application process [1]. The digital visa procedure is expected to lower the costs and efforts required for Schengen visa applications, while ensuring consistent methods throughout the EU [1].
The EU parliament emphasized that the digitalization of the visa application process would ensure unified practices throughout Europe. The European Commission is expected to announce interinstitutional negotiations on the documents following the vote, with negotiations on the final details to begin if there are no objections [1].
In conclusion, the new Schengen visa application process aims to streamline and unify visa applications across all Schengen states by providing an online platform for most steps, reserving in-person visits strictly for biometric data submission. It integrates modern digital security features and envisions multilingual support and accessibility, with transitional measures to assist those without digital skills or with disabilities [1][2]. The digital visa procedure presents a modern, user-friendly service for EU visa applications, ensuring a more efficient and secure process for all.
[1] European Commission. (2022). Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Union Visa Information System (EU-VIS). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/legislation/docs/proposal_for_a_regulation_on_the_eu_vis_2021_en.pdf
[2] European Parliament. (2022). Press release - MEPs back plans for a single EU online visa application platform. Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20220214IPR89817/meps-back-plans-for-a-single-eu-online-visa-application-platform
- The EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP) will not only support online visa applications but also digitally upload documents, making the process of traveling to different Schengen states more seamless and secure, embracing the modernization of both lifestyle and technology.
- For a cohesive European Union experience, travelers may expect the integration of digital travel documents such as passports and EU ID cards, setting the stage for a unified, digital-friendly approach to business, lifestyle, and travel within the EU.
