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The European Council has decided to implement the new online platform for Schengen visas by means of a regulation. The digitalization of the visa process in the Schengen area is part of the much-discussed Asylum and Migration Pact and is intended to modernize the issuing of visas in the Schengen area. Until now, Schengen procedures have involved an immense amount of paperwork, as although the documents for the preliminary check and appointment can be submitted digitally, the physical documents still had to be checked at the embassy appointment. This usually requires numerous documents to be submitted in multiple copies. This applies even if the applicant has already received numerous Schengen visas in the past. The new online platform for Schengen visas is intended to avoid these time-consuming checks, make the procedure more efficient and thus reduce processing times in the long term and relieve the totally overburdened embassies. The Council and Commission also expect a significant reduction in costs and greater security. In this respect, the cryptographically signed 2D barcodes could be much more difficult to forge than the physical visa stickers.
The new platform will make it possible to upload the necessary documents online and then submit an automated visa application by entering the relevant information. The system will then automatically check responsibility and transmit the application to the responsible Schengen state. As soon as the visa application has been checked by the Schengen countries, the visa fee can be paid online on the new visa platform. The decision is then uploaded to the online system. Visits to the embassy to check documents will no longer be necessary and will only be required when submitting biometric data for the first time or when receiving new travel documents.
A similar technical system is currently already known with the VIDEX web application for Schengen visas. In contrast to the VIDEX form, however, the new platform will not only allow applications to be submitted, but will also automatically forward them to the responsible member state, which will then process the application. A similar system has already been established in Germany for applying digitally for national residence permits. In Berlin, for example, it is now possible to apply for an EU Blue Card using a purely online procedure. Visas for the EU Blue Card can now also be applied for online in Germany, although applications are limited to individual embassies in Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, China, India, Serbia and some European countries.
However, the actual introduction of the new Schengen visa online platform will be delayed somewhat. The platform has not yet been technically completed and has not yet been approved by the member states. Moreover, the regulation adopted by the European Council provides for a transitional period of seven years for the introduction of the visa platform. It will therefore be several years before applicants can avoid the stress of booking appointments and the time-consuming collection of documents.