EU countries approve draft on digital reform of Schengen visas

By Agnes Szucs

BRUSSELS (AA) – EU ambassadors adopted on Wednesday their common position on digital reform of the Schengen visa procedure.

The envoys approved the negotiating mandate of the Council of the EU, the EU institution representing member states, to start talks with the European Parliament on the new visa rules, a statement said.

Under the reform, the EU would create a single digital platform to demand visas instead of applying to different national consulates.

Travelers could upload their relevant documents, pay the fee and follow the processing of their application on the website.

They would also be able to mention if they plan to visit several EU countries, and the system could automatically determine which EU country is responsible for issuing the visa.

As an important change, the reform would abolish visa stickers and opt for the digital format of a cryptographically signed 2D barcode.

“Online applications will reduce the number of trips to the consulate for travelers and make the process smoother for national administrations,” Maria Malmer Stenergard, the Swedish minister for migration, commented on the decision.

She also highlighted that “the digital visa will put an end to the risk of falsification and theft of the visa sticker.”

The EU institutions will now start negotiations on the details of the reform.