Members of the European Union Parliament, or MEPs, have adopted a report that aims to modernize the Schengen visa application process by transitioning from paper applications and visa stickers to a digital system.
The report on the digitalization of visa procedures in the Schengen area was adopted by the European Parliament on Tuesday, with 34 votes in favor, five against, and 20 abstentions.
According to the EU Parliament, digital visa applications would speed up the process, reduce the effort and cost of applying, and promote security.
Furthermore, it was emphasized that digitizing the visa application process would ensure consistent practices across the EU, according to SchengenVisaInfo.
“By digitalising the visa application process for the Schengen area, the proposal aims to reduce the costs and efforts required to make an application, while ensuring harmonious practises throughout Europe and improving its security,” the statement of the EU Parliament reads.
The EU Parliament further notes that by digitalising the visa application for the Schengen area, visa applications would be processed in a single online platform which would let applicants know which country will receive their application.
The new system is designed to work harmoniously with the border management systems as well as databases of the EU, meaning that it would also reduce security risks.
The decision to approve the report which seeks to streamline visa application procedures was welcomed by rapporteur Matjaž Nemec who said after the vote that the digitalisation of the process would help people to see the bloc as a single geographical entity.
“We want to deliver a modern, user-friendly digital solution for EU visa applications, along with simplified application procedures. Replacing the visa sticker with a digital visa would also reduce security risks posed by physical stickers, and a unified system would help people see the EU as a single geographical entity,” Nemec stressed.
At the same time, Nemec has sought to ensure that the new system is more applicant-friendly. Regarding this, MEPs said that they want to see increased language options in the new system as well as safeguards for persons lacking in digital literacy and those with disabilities.
MEPs also want to make sure that certain visa applications do not get refused when they are filed from the same IP address, which may be the case in some areas that have poor internet connectivity.
MEPs also argue that IP addresses should be processed or collected as part of the visa application.
The EU Parliament is now expected to announce the inter-institutional negotiations on the file. If there are no objections, negotiations on the final details can begin.