UAE nationals planning to visit Schengen countries will soon have a hassle-free visa application process as the EU moves towards digitizing the entire procedure.
The Council’s negotiating mandate has been endorsed by the EU member states’ ambassadors for a plan that aims to improve security and simplify the visa application process by offering an online visa application option and replacing the current sticker-style visa with a digital one. According to Maria Malmer Stenergard, Sweden’s Minister for Migration, a digital Schengen visa will not only make it easier for legitimate travelers to apply, but it will also enhance the Schengen area’s security. With online applications, travelers will have to make fewer trips to the consulate, and national governments will be able to process applications faster. The digital visa will eliminate the possibility of visa sticker theft and forgery as visas will be issued in a digitally signed 2D barcode form, reducing security risks caused by stolen and fake visa stickers.
