[Updated] EU: Digitization of the Schengen Visa 

The latest updates on the Schengen digital visa application platform can be found here.

This article was originally published on 2 May 2022 and was updated on 29 March 2023 and 13 June 2023 to reflect the latest information.

Key Points  

• The European Parliament and European Council jointly agreed to create a Digital Platform for issuing Schengen Visas

Overview  

The European Parliament and European Council jointly agreed on enacting digitization measures under the Schengen visa procedures. The procedures will modernize the following aspects of the Schengen visa procedures: 

• The creation of a single EU Online visa application platform. Through the platform, applicants will be able to apply for a Schengen and pay for the visa online.  
• The platform will provide applicants with a secure account. Through the platform, applicants will receive decisions on their application, along with status updates.  
• The platform will also contain up-to-date information on Schengen short-stay visas, as well as all necessary information regarding the requirements and procedures (such as supporting documents, visa fee or the need for an appointment to collect biometric identifiers). 
• The platform will also automatically determine which Schengen country is responsible for examining an application when the intended visit includes several Member States. 
• Replacement of the Schengen visa sticker with a digital Schengen visa (encrypted 2D barcode) which will also apply for long-stay visas. Countries that are in the process of becoming a Schengen member state (Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus) can also issue stickers.

EU member states have a period of seven years to formally join the platform. For further information on the proposal, check here.  

What are the Changes?  

The European Union has agreed to create a digital platform for the issuance of Schengen Visas. According to the announcement, the agreed rules will modernize, simplify, and harmonize the visa procedures for non-EU nationals applying for a visa and for the Member States needing to grant such visas through digitalization. 

Looking Ahead  

Once formally adopted by the Parliament and Council, the act will be published in the EU Official Journal. It will enter into force on the twentieth day after publication. Continue to check the European Parliament’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.