Physical appointments for Schengen visa ended by European Union

The EU is all set to end physical appointments for Schengen visas to visit European countries. In a move to digitalize their visa system, the European Union is all set to annul physical appointments and candidates will now be able to apply for this visa from the web.

This change came after an extensive process took place in the EU administration. Following this, the EU has finally concluded it. It will be effective after it’s been published in the EU Administration in a few weeks.

The Schengen visa makes up 23 of the 27 EU states. The Interior Minister of Spain stated that this new initiative will take it easy for tourists to get their visa and make the process seamless after its implementation.

Under this new process, the applicants will only be required to submit their necessary documents such as their biometric verification and electronic travel documents. The required documents alongside the service fee will be paid over an online portal instead of physical attendance to offices.

The accepted or approved candidates will receive a unique barcode that they can store digitally or even get printed. However, the candidate applying the visa for the first time will still be required to visit the offices at least once.

Moreover, several developed countries such as Australia already have such systems in place. This eliminates any need for a sticker on a candidate’s passport. Even though citizens from several states are not required to have a Schengen visa, they will still be urged to apply over the web for pre-screened entry under the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).