On 13 Nov 2023, foreign ministers of European Union (EU) member states approved an adjustment policy, allowing those applying for visas to visit Schengen countries in Europe to soon obtain their visas online.
The shift to digitize the visa issuance process aims to remove the need for applicants to schedule appointments at consulates or service-providing offices for visa stamping on their passports.
The Minister of Internal Affairs of Spain, currently holding the EU Presidency, stated that the digital visa system will streamline the application process for tourists. Once this regulation is implemented, short-term stay applicants in the Schengen area can upload their documents, travel profiles, biometric information, and make payments, all through an online platform.
If approved after cross-checking with the databases, they will receive a code to print or store on their devices. However, first-time visa applicants or those with new passports or updated biometric data may still have to follow the traditional visa application procedures.
EU ministers endorsed this decision after a legislative process that lasted several months.
The Schengen area includes 23 out of 27 EU member countries, along with neighboring countries such as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
In most cases, citizens from over 60 countries worldwide, including Australia, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and the US, will no longer need to apply for Schengen visas for short-term visits.
However, they will still need to register online for pre-screening through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), similar to the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).