Brussels – The Schengen visa, a key gateway for millions of travellers entering Europe each year, is set for a sweeping transformation. By 2028, the European Union will fully digitise the application and issuance process, eliminating paperwork and replacing the decades-old visa sticker with an encrypted 2D barcode. The transition signals not only a shift towards efficiency, but also a bold step in enhancing security and embracing digital innovation.
The digital rollout is already underway. France tested the system during the 2024 Paris Olympics, issuing 70,000 barcode-based visas. The pilot program demonstrated how border officers could quickly scan the code to access personal and travel details stored in a centralised EU database. Once implemented across the bloc, this system promises faster processing and reduced risk of forgery, while offering applicants a seamless online experience.
Under the new framework, travellers will complete their visa applications entirely online. They will be able to upload documents, track their application status, and pay fees without visiting consulates, except in cases where biometric data is required for first-time applicants. Repeat travellers will enjoy a simplified renewal process, leveraging previously submitted biometrics within the EU’s Visa Information System.
Despite the digital shift, much of the current procedural structure remains in place. Applicants must determine which Schengen country’s embassy to apply through—usually the country of main stay or first entry. In most regions, third-party facilitators like VFS Global or BLS International handle applications, while countries such as France require direct online scheduling via platforms like Démarches Simplifiées.
Documentation requirements will continue to include a valid passport, proof of accommodation and transport, travel insurance worth at least €30,000, financial statements, and a cover letter. Fees remain €80 for adults and €40 for children, with exemptions for younger travellers. Biometric data collection will still be mandatory for newcomers, ensuring security standards remain uncompromised.
Processing times are expected to benefit from digitisation, though embassies still caution travellers to apply at least 30–60 days in advance. On average, standard approvals take 15 calendar days, with delays possible during peak travel seasons. Some embassies in the Baltics already demonstrate faster turnaround times of 7–10 days, while Germany and France continue to apply more stringent screening, sometimes including interviews.
Policy changes are also reshaping the visa landscape. Germany, starting July 2025, will mandate formal legal appeals for rejections, ending informal processes. Meanwhile, the EU’s “cascade” regime will allow frequent travellers from countries such as India to obtain multi-entry visas valid for two to five years, enhancing mobility and fostering deeper travel ties with Europe.
For policymakers and travellers alike, the digitisation of Schengen visas represents a milestone in modern border management. It combines technological progress with streamlined governance, reflecting the EU’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a secure, accessible, and globally connected region. By 2028, the once cumbersome visa sticker may well be a relic of the past, replaced by a system built for the future of international travel.
