Schengen visa to go fully digital: No more lengthy paperwork & traditional visa stickers

Time of India

6 days ago

How will it work?
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Step‑by‑Step Guide to apply for a Schengen visa application
Determine Which Embassy to Apply Through
Apply at the Schengen embassy of your main destination. For trips involving multiple countries, apply via the one where you will spend most time—or, if equal, the country you enter first.
Most countries use VFS Global; Spain uses BLS International in India
France now mandates appointment booking via an online platform called Démarches Simplifiées Prepare & Submit Documents
Bring to your appointment: valid passport (6 months validity, 2 blank pages), application form, photos, travel insurance (€30,000 min.), flight & hotel/tour bookings, cover letter, and financial proof (3–6 months bank statements, salary slips or ITRs). Attend Biometric Appointment
First-time applicants must provide fingerprints and a photograph. Biometric data is stored in the EU's Visa Information System. No biometric info is needed if collected within the past 59 months. Pay Fees
Standard visa fee is approximately €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6–12 (free for under 6). Service fees for VFS/BLS range around ₹1,800‑₹2,20 Wait for Processing
The typical processing time is 15 calendar days, but it may extend to 30 or even 60 days during peak periods or complex cases Additional Insights & Tips Apply 30–60 days before travel. Applications accepted up to six months in advance but avoid last-minute filings (less than 15 working days) to reduce risk of delays
Faster processing options: Consider embassies like Lithuania, Latvia, or Estonia, which often complete processing within 7–10 days and have lower rejection rates
Interview possibility: Embassies like Germany or France may require an in-person interview. Be ready to explain your itinerary, finances, and intention to return to India. Answer honestly and confidently.
Germany's appeal rule changed: From July 1, 2025, Germany no longer allows informal appeals; rejected applications must go through formal legal procedures. Potential for multi‑entry, longer‑validity visas: Indian nationals who have previously used two Schengen visas within three years may now be eligible for multi‑year validity (2‑ or 5‑year) under the EU's 'cascade' regime.
The Schengen visa application process is on track to become significantly more efficient and modern, as the European Union transitions to a fully digital system. This move will eliminate the need for paper-based applications.In a major update, the traditional visa sticker will be replaced with a secure, encrypted 2D digital barcode—boosting security, expediting processing, and embracing technological innovation. Full implementation is expected by 2028, as per a Travel + Leisure report.As part of a trial for the 2024 Paris Olympics, France issued 70,000 digital Schengen visas containing barcodes. Once the system is fully implemented, travellers will scan these barcodes at border checkpoints, giving immigration officials access to personal and visa details through a centralised EU database.The digital visa system will offer a fully online experience—allowing applicants to upload documents, monitor application progress, and pay fees digitally. After completing these steps, travellers will receive a digitally signed barcode visa. First-time visitors to Europe will still need to provide biometric data in person, but repeat visits will involve a simplified process. For updates, travellers should refer to the official EU visa website.