What Is Set to Change for Visa Applicants?
The new rules will bring several changes to the visa application procedures, and improve the benefits that come with a visa.
The main changes foreseen by the updated code are as follows:
- Higher visa fees.
- Extended application submission periods.
- Electronic application forms in most countries.
- Representative authorities of every Schengen Member must be present in every third-country in terms of visa admission after February 2.
- Frequent travelers with a positive visa history to benefit from visas with lengthier validity.
The new code also introduces a mechanism that asserts, whether the visa fees should change or remain the same, for every three years. Another mechanism that will use visa processing as leverage will also be introduced, in a bid to improve cooperation with third countries on readmission.
Higher Visa Fees for Every Applicant
The first way how applicants will be affected by the new visa code is through the visa fees.
Applicants that used to pay €60 per application will now need to pay €80, while those that had to pay €35 will now need to pay €40. This includes children and other categories that were granted with the benefit of paying lower fees.
Children aged 0 to 6 remain exempt from the visa fees.
The new code also introduces a mechanism that asserts whether the visa fees should change or remain the same, for every three years. Some of the countries cooperating with the EU in terms of readmission of illegal migrants may also benefit from reduced visa fees.
Application Form Can Now Be Signed and Submitted Electronically
In a bid to facilitate visa application procedures, the updated Visa Code instructs Member States allow application forms to be completed and submitted electronically, where possible.
It also obliges them to allow visa applicants to sign the application form electronically, which electronic signature should then be recognized by the competent Member State.
Extended Application Submission Periods
Another benefit that the new code brings for visa applicants, is that it extends the period within which an application can be lodged, from three months to six months in advance of a trip.
Seafarers in the performance of their duties can as f February, submit an application as early as nine months in advance of their arrival at any of the Schengen ports.
The latest an application can be submitted, however, remains 15 calendar days before an intended trip to the Schengen Area.
Highlighted Importance of Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance remains mandatory for Schengen Visa applicants, despite attempts to make it optional. In fact, the new code highlights the importance of having Schengen Insurance when applying for a visa.
As for travelers applying for a multiple-entry visa, they will have to prove they are in possession in possession of adequate and valid travel medical insurance covering the period of their first intended visit.
In this regard, even the new visa application form established by the EU, has a declaration at the end that states “I am aware of the need to have an adequate travel medical insurance for my first stay and any subsequent visits to the territory of Member States.”
Schengen Members Need to Appoint Representative Missions in Every Country
The new code obliges all Schengen Member states to be present in every third country, through their embassy/consulate, another Member States, or by outsourcing Schengen visa admission to an external service provider.
The obligation comes in a bid to facilitate visa application, as well, so that the nationals of some countries will no longer have to travel to a neighboring country just to lodge and application.
External service providers will be able to charge a service fee, which should not exceed the amount of the visa fee.
More Benefits for Frequent Travelers with a Positive Visa History
Travelers frequently visiting the Schengen Area, who also have a positive visa history, meaning they have lawfully used their previous visas, they have a good economic situation in the country of origin and a genuine intention to leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the visa for which they have applied, will be granted with the benefit of getting a multiple-entry visa valid for up to five years.
This benefit will not be limited to specific travel purposes or categories of applicants. However, Member States are instructed to have particular regard for persons travelling for the purpose of exercising their profession, such as business people, seafarers, artists and athletes.
Visa Processing as a Readmission Leverage
The new visa code foresees using visa processing as a leverage to push third-countries collaborate in terms of readmission of illegal immigrants.
Thus, the Commission will assess regularly, at least once a year, third countries’ cooperation with regard to readmission, and find whether a third country is cooperating sufficiently and whether action is needed, in particular in the field of migration.
In cases when the Commission considers that a third country is not cooperating sufficiently the nationals of that country may face longer visa processing periods and higher visa fees. Countries collaborating in this regard, will be granted with shorter visa processing periods, lower visa fees, and visas with lengthier validity. Source: shengenvisainfo.com
