Digital Schengen visa: what will change for applicants

On 13 November 2023, the European Union adopted new rules to digitalise the Schengen visa procedure. They are being implemented gradually: here is what we know today.

A single online platform

In time, applicants will be able to submit their Schengen visa application on a single European platform, whatever their country of destination. The form, the supporting documents and, in many cases, payment will all be handled online.

The end of the paper sticker

The visa stuck in the passport will be replaced by a digital visa, in the form of a secure code. It can no longer be lost or stolen along with the passport.

What is the timeline?

According to information released by the European Union, the platform is due to become operational gradually from 2028, with Schengen countries able to join at different paces. Until then, the current procedures continue to apply.

What does not change

• The conditions for obtaining a visa remain the same: purpose of travel, financial means, insurance, guarantees of return.
• Biometrics: fingerprints will continue to be collected on a first application or when they expire.
• The decision still rests with the consulate of the competent country.

Our advice

Rely only on official websites and beware of sites claiming to already offer the "online Schengen visa" for a fee. We are following these developments and will adapt our support as soon as the platform opens.

Source: European External Action Service (EEAS) and the European regulation on the digitalisation of the visa procedure.