The ambassadors of all EU member states approved the negotiating mandate of the European Council for the proposal to create a single digital platform to request visas instead of applying to different national consulates. This is intended to make it possible to apply online and replacing the current sticker visas.

The overall aim of the initiative is to make the procedure for requesting a visa more efficient and to improve security in the Schengen area.

"Online applications will reduce the number of trips to the consulate for travelers and will make the process smoother for national administrations," Maria Malmer Stenergard, Swedish Minister for Migration, commented.

She also highlighted that the introduction of "digital visa will put an end to the risk of falsification and theft of the visa sticker."

On the basis of the negotiating mandate agreed on March 29, the European Council Presidency will soon start negotiations with the European Parliament to agree on the final wording of the mandate.

How will it work?

All applications for Schengen visas will be made through a single visa application platform on a single website, which will forward them to the relevant national visa systems.

Visa applicants will be able to submit all relevant data, upload electronic copies of their travel documents, and pay their visa fees. They will also be notified of the decisions concerning their visa applications this way.

In-person appearances at consulates and embassies will only be necessary for first-time applicants, persons whose biometric data are no longer valid and those with a new travel document, according to a statement issued by the EU.

Recent migration and security challenges have significantly tested and transformed the context of the EU's visa policy. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic considerably slowed down visa operations, creating the need for digital procedures avoiding in-person contact, the statement added.