In a modern move, the Schengen countries have decided to take the plunge and adopt the digitization of the visa application and the visa sticker. Most of us, at one time or another, have experienced the frustration of visa application bureaucracy. Fortunately, this new measure is designed to simplify this laborious process.
From now on, visa applications will be processed via a single platform. This is where payment of the visa fee will take place, regardless of which Schengen country the applicant wishes to visit. In fact, by simply filling in an online application form, you can travel anywhere in the Schengen area. In our ever-changing world, these technological improvements are most welcome.
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The introduction of the digital Schengen visa
That said, this is not the only innovation in this area. The traditional Schengen visa sticker will be replaced by a digital Schengen visa. In the form of an encrypted 2D barcode, it will also apply to long-stay visas. At the same time, digitization will provide applicants with a secure account. Thanks to this account, they can submit their application online and receive a response accordingly. Read also: Reasons for refusing a Schengen visa and solutions, How to request a reassessment of a Schengen visa refusal decision.
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In addition to these significant improvements, the platform will automatically determine which Schengen country is responsible for examining an application when the intended visit involves several member states. As you can see, this will make things much easier for applicants.
A chatbot to answer enquirers' questions
When it comes to technology, most of us expect instant answers to our questions. We need to learn to adapt our expectations to the evolution of technology. This is where the chatbot comes into play.
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This innovation enables applicants to get answers to their questions in a user-friendly way. This chatbot functionality will add an extra dimension of interactivity to the applicant experience, making the process more accessible and convenient to navigate.
A transition period for a smooth rollout
This is all well and good, but we need to adopt a gradual approach to implementation. That's why the European Commission has provided for a seven-year transition period. This will allow member states to join the platform and adapt to the new requirements.
With the conclusion of the digitization agreement signed on Tuesday June 13The new regulation must now be formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council. This step promises to revolutionize the process of obtaining a visa in the Schengen area, marking the beginning of a new era for all those who aspire to explore this territory.
Practical changes for visa applicants
A simplified procedure
Firstly, visa applicants will see a significant simplification of the application process. Instead of navigating a maze of paperwork and red tape, they will be able to complete their application online on a single platform. This means that, no matter which Schengen country they wish to visit, their application process will be the same. As you can see, this saves applicants a considerable amount of time and effort.
What's more, the visa itself will be digital, in the form of an encrypted 2D barcode. As well as the obvious practicality, this will also reduce the risk of loss or theft of the traditional visa sticker.
Personalized follow-up
Secondly, applicants will benefit from personalized tracking of their applications. Through their secure account, they will be able to track the status of their application in real time. This transparency in the process is a welcome improvement, bringing greater visibility and peace of mind for applicants.
If the planned visit involves more than one member state, the platform will automatically determine the country responsible for examining the application. As a result, applicants won't have to worry about who to send their application to. In our ever-changing world, these technological improvements are a breath of fresh air for applicants.
Real-time assistance
Finally, the new chatbot functionality promises to transform the experience of visa applicants. This automated service will offer instant answers to applicants' questions, enabling them to obtain clarifications in real time. This feature makes the process more user-friendly and accessible, even for those unfamiliar with technology.
The digitization of the visa application process therefore marks a major step forward for applicants, considerably facilitating the process while offering greater transparency and assistance.
