The Schengen visa, which acts as a gateway to 27 member countries, is all set to get a digital makeover, making it more accessible for global travelers, including tourists and visitors from India. Let us know what travelers need to adopt as they move towards this digital transition, focusing on the Schengen visa and the Schengen tourist visa.
The Digital Transformation
The European Union (EU) is working relentlessly to digitize the Schengen visa process to improve the security measures, reduce fraudulent cases, and simplify the overall application process. The digital makeover of the Schengen visa will replace the traditional paper visa, which will allow applicants to complete their entire process online. This eliminates any physical visits to the embassies or consulates.
Key Highlights
- Digital Application Process – Indian travelers now have the convenience of completing the entire Schengen visa application process online through a dedicated portal. This online portal for the Schengen visa guides applicants step-by-step through the entire process, including completing the entire application, uploading all the necessary documents, and paying the visa fee.
- Biometric Data – Biometrics for all Indian travelers who have to visit the embassy or consulate must be submitted as a one-time requirement, which can be used for a certain amount of time for all future instances. This eliminates the requirement of repeated submissions for each application.
- E-Visa – On visa approval, Indian travelers will receive an electronic visa on their registered email ID. This e-visa can be printed out or stored on the traveler’s phone to present it at the Schengen border controls.
- Added Convenience – With the application process transitioning online, the physical visits to the embassy or consulate are now eliminated from an application submission standpoint. This makes the entire process more efficient and convenient for all global travelers.
- Improved Security – The digital Schengen visa will enhance security significantly by reducing fraudulent cases and identity theft. The biometric data will help secure the platform and permit only legitimate travelers to travel as part of their approved visas.
- Faster Processing Timeline – Automation in the digital Schengen visa has significantly reduced the overall visa processing timeline by reducing administrative efforts and permitting quicker approvals or denials based on each application submission.
Preparing for the Digital Transformation
Indian travelers must adopt the digital transformation of the Schengen visa by following the guidelines below.
- Stay Informed – All travelers should stay informed with the latest travel guidelines on the digital Schengen visa. The EU will share the updated information on its official websites, which can be helpful for all applicants.
- Collating Documents – Applicants must ensure that all supporting documents are complete and accurate. Some of the key documentation includes a valid original passport, a valid travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial means validation, and a travel itinerary.
- Biometric Data – Applicants must submit their biometrics at the nearest embassy or visa application center to enjoy an uninterrupted Schengen visa processing.
- Secure Internet Connectivity – Reliability, stability, and security of the internet connection are an absolute must while processing the digital Schengen visa.
- Registered Email Address – Applicants must share an accurate and complete email address in their visa application form. The shared registered email ID will be used for all future correspondence and updates regarding the applicant’s visa status.
Impact on Indian Travelers
The digital Schengen visa will positively impact Indian travelers as they get the added convenience of applying online and have a quicker visa processing timeline. The enhanced security measures make the entire application process easier and more accessible and further improve the security of the visa process. Indian travelers must embrace the digital transformation of the Schengen visa to enjoy a seamless Schengen adventure.
Schengen Tourist Visa
The Schengen visa has always been a roadblock for many Indian travelers. The digital makeover for a Schengen tourist visa will make the entire process more streamlined and straightforward and encourage more Indian travelers to realize their European dream holiday.
Conclusion
The Schengen visa has undergone a digital enhancement, which marks a remarkable step towards the modernization of the visa application process. Indian travelers can have peace of mind knowing that the entire Schengen visa process is now secure, efficient, and convenient. All Indian travelers must adopt the digital transition and stay up-to-date about the latest travel updates, which will enable them to have a better experience when planning their Schengen holiday.
The digital Schengen visa is a new benchmark as countries look to adopt digital technology to make travel more accessible and secure for all travelers. As the world connects itself more closely through a digital network, the digital Schengen visa will be a welcome change adopted by several travelers, as it will benefit them by providing a hassle-free experience. At the same time, they plan their Schengen adventure as a reality.