Schengen Visa Online 2023: towards full digitization of applications to facilitate procedures

The Schengen area, which facilitates the free movement of people between its members, is about to take a major step forward in the evolution of its visa application procedures. The European Commission is proposing to digitize the entire process of obtaining a Schengen visa, with the aim of simplifying procedures for visitors and enhancing security. This ambitious transformation could radically change the way travelers apply for and obtain their visa to enter the Schengen area, with a significant impact on tourism, international relations and personal data management. In this article, we examine the main aspects of this initiative, as well as the challenges and opportunities it presents.

Read also : How to avoid Schengen Visa refusal in 2023? and also : How to appeal a visa refusal decision.

A simplified online visa application system

The procedure for obtaining a Schengen visa is expected to undergo a digital revolutionThe European Commission is proposing to replace the current method, which requires travelers to visit consulates in person, with a single online platform. The European Commission is proposing to replace the current method, which requires travelers to visit consulates in person, with a single online platform. This initiative should make it easier for millions of potential visitors to complete their formalities, while strengthening the security of the Schengen area.

Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for promoting our European way of life, believes it is essential that the Schengen area now moves forward in a unified way. The complete digitization of visa procedures is scheduled for 2025, and the new system is due to be adopted by the European Parliament and Council shortly.

Benefits for travellers and authorities

The digital Schengen visa will offer many advantages to travelers. Applicants will be able to complete their application, upload the necessary documents and pay the visa fee online, making the process much easier. What's more, the platform will automatically determine which Schengen country is responsible for examining an application, avoiding the confusion that can arise with the current paper-based procedure.

National authorities will also benefit from this digitization. The digital visa will eliminate the risk of counterfeiting and theft of the visa sticker. However, first-time applicants will still have to go to a consulate to collect their biometric identifiers.

Impact on tourism and international relations

With this transition to a digital system, the European Union aims to facilitate travel and attract more visitors from third countries. The Schengen visa is currently required for nationals of many countries, including India, China and South Africa, and allows travel to 26 European countries for up to 90 days over a six-month period.

In 2019, over 15 million people used Schengen visas to travel to Europe. By simplifying the procedure for obtaining a visa, the EU hopes to strengthen international relations and support the tourism sector, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data protection and security concerns

Despite the many potential benefits of digitizing Schengen visas, some are expressing concerns about personal data protection and information security. The online platform will have to comply with the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and implement robust security measures to prevent information leaks and cyberattacks.

To address these concerns, the European Commission is working with experts in cybersecurity and data protection to ensure that the system meets the highest standards of confidentiality and security.

The next stages in the introduction of the digital Schengen visa

Once the project has been adopted by the European Parliament and the Council, the digital Schengen visa will be implemented gradually. Member countries will be responsible for setting up the necessary infrastructures and training their staff to facilitate the transition to the new system.

At the same time, the European Commission will be running information and awareness campaigns to inform travelers and international partners about the new procedures. The aim is to ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruption for travellers and the relevant authorities.

In conclusion, the complete digitization of Schengen visa applications represents a significant step forward in facilitating visitor travel and strengthening international relations. However, data protection and system security are essential to the success of this ambitious initiative.