Teodora Marinska, the Head of Public Affairs and the Chief Operating Officer at the European Travel Commission, talked about the digitalization of the Schengen visa application process.
She said that it would make it more convenient and easier for foreigners to reach the bloc once this happens.
The benefits
According to Marinska, a lot of foreigners want to enter the Schengen Area and require a visa for it, but the high demand prevents them finding available appointment slots.
She further stated that many a times, foreigners choose to submit a visa application in a Schengen country embassy because they are aware that the process is easier.
Sometimes, they take this approach because there are no appointments available for the country they plan on visiting.
Keeping these issues in mind, digitalizing the visa process will prove to be a game changer because it would provide visa applicants a seamless process and appointments will be allocated automatically.
Marinska said that a digital visa would prove to be key for delivering a seamless travel experience to people quickly.
She also added that once the process goes online, it will be the job of EU authorities to ensure transport operators do not have to deal with any additional burden and border delays can be avoided.
Online application
Digitalization of the Schengen visa application would mean that applicants will be able to complete the entire process online via a single platform. However, this does not apply to first time applicants.
Since applicants will no longer be required to physically appear at a consulate, or embassy, the costs incurred will be significantly reduced because only the visa fee will have to be paid.
Furthermore, once the visa application shifts online completely, applicants will not have to worry about collecting and printing a lot of documents.
It is because they will be able to upload electronic copies of their travel and supporting documents on the platform and then pay the fee.
Additional perks
EU authorities have clarified that those applying for the first time, have a new travel document, or have invalid biometric data, will be required to appear physically for the application.
However, as the process will go online, most people who have to show up at the visa center, consulate, or embassy, would not have to deal with long waiting times.
Visa applicants will also be given the option of mentioning on the platform if they want a certain member state to process their visa.
Once the applicants and the relevant authorities of the Schengen member state complete the entire process, the same platform will be used to inform applicants about the decision.
The visas will be issued as a 2D barcode and in a digital format and they will also be signed cryptographically.
These perks are undoubtedly going to make it easier for travelers to apply for a Schengen visa and obtain it as quickly as possible.
