UAE: Obtaining a Schengen Visa is not a simple process. Aside from collecting a slew of documentation ranging from flight tickets to hotel reservations, bank statements, and more, trying to get a slot to submit the application is a time-consuming procedure. Thankfully, the European Union (EU) Council has announced that the process would be simplified by digitising it.
You will still need to prepare all of your documents, but you will no longer need to print them. So, once you’ve collected all of your papers in a tidy little folder on your desktop, you’ll be able to apply for and submit them to a visa programme online. And, undoubtedly, you will be able to apply on your own, removing the need to contact an embassy or visa service providers.Payment will be made online as well.
This also suggests that if you are accepted, you will no longer receive a sticker in your passport because this, too, will be a digital visa.
The digital visa employs a two-dimensional barcode format with cryptographic signatures. The new format will reduce the security concerns related to fake and stolen stickers.
If you are a first-time use, your biometrics are no longer valid, or you have a new travel document, you will only need to contact the consulate or a visa service provider.
The new online method will reduce the time it takes to approve a visa, and applicants will be notified of the result.
We do not know when the novel approach will be carried out, but we will keep an eye out for any changes.
