The process of obtaining Schengen visa from Dubai is set to get easier than before. This will leads to more people travelling to Europe from Dubai.
The causing of this excitement is the European Union (EU) move to digitize the application of Schengen visa. Schengen visa applicant will no longer need to visit the embassy to submit application and the long exhausting process.
When speaking at a session which was held in Arabian Travel Market titled “Strengthening Inter-Regional Travel: Learnings from Europe” Chief Operating Officer and Head of Public Affairs at the European Travel Commission Teodora Marinska , said the digitalization of Schengen visa will be a game changer at will offer “a seamless procedure for visa applicants and automatically assign appointments”.
If you are wondering what Schengen digitization means here we will break it down for you. Overall, it means easy application process of Schengen visa online.
The application process for Schengen visa long and cumbersome and Marinska highlighted this issue pint out the new online visa application system will ease the application process.
Unlike the traditional visa application producers where you have to secure appointment, attend the appointment and interview, after the digitalization visa application is actualized it will end the long process.
Shen went ahead to mention that certain embassies received more visa applications given they are more efficient and others. The proposal to digitalize the Schengen visa application process will address this imbalance.
The processing of Schengen visa sometimes takes weeks or even months. Among the reason why there is delay in processing is huge backlog especially Schengen county embassy which is perceived to have easy application process.
When the application process will be transferred online and there is uniformity in application procedures this will easy the backlog and delay with the frustrating days.
Marinska highlighted one of the main reasons for delaying processing Schengen visa is “People tend to apply to specific consulates perceived to have an easier application process.” This leads to unequal workload distributions resulting to backlog in those consulates.
Marinska pointed out the significant of ensuring travelers have smooth experience when applying for Schengen visa. To realize this aim she said “Digitalization is key. We have the tools to create a super smooth process with digital visas. However, ensuring efficient border security without causing delays or additional burdens on transportation operators is crucial.”
Indeed, it will become easier to apply Schengen visa online compared to traditional method. Travelers will have seamless travel experience to Europe.
The current Schengen visa application process is long and tedious. You have to be patient and put in a lot of effort.
The process involves gathering a lot of documents, book appointment at the embassy of the country you enter first in Schengen area and wait for the appointment date.
Then you have to attend the appointment and submit your is application. Then you have to wait for visa to be processed with can take even up to 60 days. You will also have to submit your original passport for visa stamping.
As you can see it is a long process but the good news this is about to change. The proposal by European Commission to digitalize the entire process is the game changer.
The applicants will no longer be required to submit their passport for visa sticker. Rather after the visa is processed online applicant will receive a cryptographically signed visa featuring a 2D barcode.
The bureaucracy application processes for Schengen visa are about to come to an end after the digitalizing the visa application process. Getting Schengen visa will become economical and easier.
The implementation of digitalization of the Schengen visa is set to start in 2025. Among the countries which will be affected are the 27 Schengen countries.
European Parliament has already approved the proposal and it is now waiting EU ministers in the Council endorsement. After the council formally adoption of this law, the next step will be publication in the EU Official Journal. The law will then become effective after 20 days.
The proposed digitalization of Schengen visa application will revolutionise Schengen visa application process make it simpler, harmonious and modern.
This will be an advantage to nationals from third countries as the cost to apply for Schengen visa will be reduced and with less application procedures. Also, the visa issuing authorities will now be able to serve more applicants.
Even though the physical stickers which are placed on the passport have security features they are prove to risks. The issuing of digital visa will deal all those risks.
