The Schengen visa application process is set to go fully online in the next few years. The European Commission proposed a new digital system that will replace the lengthy paper application process. This way, digital nomads and travelers expect a more easy and secure system.
The Schengen visa enables travelers to stay for both tourism and business in 26 countries. They can stay from 90 to 180 days.
Online Schengen Application Process
According to the European Commission, travelers will experience a “smoother and more secure system” with this new digital system.
The Schengen visa covers 26 countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Slovenia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Malta, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Finland, Lithuania, Norway, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Usually, the application process takes between two weeks to 60 days. Visitors are required to submit their applications to the country they want to spend the most time in during their trip. Then they need to pick up their passports when the physical visa sticker has been added.
However, after the pandemic, this process became more problematic. Consequently, the European Commission proposed a new and more effective way to do it online.
