Today, January 31st, 2023, members of the European Parliament decided to adopt a European Commission’s proposal on the digitalization of visa procedures.
This represents the end of physical stickers and physical applications for Schengen visas.
Slovenian rapporteur Matjaž Nemec emphasized that physical stickers pose several security risks. And physical applications cost money and effort, according to the European Parliament.
The latest modification of the EU’s Visa Code introduced electronic signs in visa applications. Now, in order to fully digitize visa application procedures, there must be no objection in the European Parliament plenary. If that’s the case, then legislation and additional details can be negotiated and prepared for implementation.
If the legislation is approved, all Schengen visa applications will be processed in a single online platform. If travelers need to enter several countries in the Schengen area, the platform will tell them which country will process their visa application.
The members of the European Parliament also requested amendments so that the platform would be available in several languages and would be accessible for people with disabilities and people who lack digital skills.
The platform will also be configured to avoid the refusal of visa applications due to repeated IP addresses, as people in areas with poor internet connectivity often share IP addresses. However, it will not collect or process IP addresses as part of the visa application.
“We want to deliver a modern, user-friendly digital solution for EU visa applications, along with simplified application procedures”, said rapporteur Matjaž Nemec. “In my report, I have sought to ensure the new system is even more applicant-friendly, by removing barriers stemming from language, disability status, lack of digital skills or poor internet connectivity, and to ensure that applicants’ data is more secure by introducing additional processing safeguards.”
The vote for the adoption of the digitalization of visa procedures closed with 34 votes in favor, 5 against, and 20 abstaining.
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