What is the story about?
The European Union (EU) is moving towards a completely digital Schengen visa system to streamline the visa process.
The paper-based application and traditional visa sticker will soon be replaced by a secure,
encrypted 2D digital barcode, with full implementation expected by 2028, as per the Economic Times.
How the new digital system will work
The digital Schengen visa will enable applicants to submit their documents, track applications, and pay fees entirely online through a centralised EU portal.
Upon arrival, the travellers would receive a digitally signed barcode instead of a physical visa sticker.
First-time applicants, or those whose biometric data is five years old, would still need to provide fingerprints and a
photo in person.
Read more: Spain unveils digital nomad visa for ₹8,000: Here’s how Indian passport holders can apply
France had already piloted this system during the Paris Olympics 2024, issuing over 70,000 digital visas embedded with barcodes. These were scanned at border checkpoints, providing immigration officials with access to visa and personal data through a shared EU database, as per ET.
Entry/Exit system set for October 2025 rollout
The EU is also launching a new Entry/Exit System (EES) on
October 12, 2025, along with the visa digitalisation.
The EES would phase out passport stamping in favour of automated border checks using biometric verification such as fingerprinting and facial recognition, as per News18.
The move is part of the EU's broader strategy to modernise border control and enhance security.
"By working closely with member states, and the transport sector, we are creating a secure, efficient and travel-friendly framework that reflects Europe's commitment to both security and technological
innovation," the European Commission said in a statement, as per News18.
Read more: Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train to start soon, travel time to be just over 2 hours: Details here
Impact on Indian travellers
For Indian nationals, who submitted over 6,00,000 Schengen visa applications in 2023, the shift to digital could mean less paperwork, faster processing and improved transparency.
The travellers would still need to provide standard documentation such as proof of funds, travel insurance, confirmed tickets, and
accommodation details, as per News18. The digital system would not make approvals easier as visa officers would continue to assess the applications case-by-case.
Under the EU's 'cascade' regime, Indian citizens who have previously used two Schengen visas within three years may be eligible for long-term, multi-entry visas.
The paper-based application and traditional visa sticker will soon be replaced by a secure,
How the new digital system will work
The digital Schengen visa will enable applicants to submit their documents, track applications, and pay fees entirely online through a centralised EU portal.
Upon arrival, the travellers would receive a digitally signed barcode instead of a physical visa sticker.
First-time applicants, or those whose biometric data is five years old, would still need to provide fingerprints and a
Read more: Spain unveils digital nomad visa for ₹8,000: Here’s how Indian passport holders can apply
France had already piloted this system during the Paris Olympics 2024, issuing over 70,000 digital visas embedded with barcodes. These were scanned at border checkpoints, providing immigration officials with access to visa and personal data through a shared EU database, as per ET.
Entry/Exit system set for October 2025 rollout
The EU is also launching a new Entry/Exit System (EES) on
The EES would phase out passport stamping in favour of automated border checks using biometric verification such as fingerprinting and facial recognition, as per News18.
The move is part of the EU's broader strategy to modernise border control and enhance security.
"By working closely with member states, and the transport sector, we are creating a secure, efficient and travel-friendly framework that reflects Europe's commitment to both security and technological
Read more: Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train to start soon, travel time to be just over 2 hours: Details here
Impact on Indian travellers
For Indian nationals, who submitted over 6,00,000 Schengen visa applications in 2023, the shift to digital could mean less paperwork, faster processing and improved transparency.
The travellers would still need to provide standard documentation such as proof of funds, travel insurance, confirmed tickets, and
Under the EU's 'cascade' regime, Indian citizens who have previously used two Schengen visas within three years may be eligible for long-term, multi-entry visas.
Do you find this article useful?
