
The European Union has officially adopted the digitalization of the Schengen visa, replacing the traditional sticker with a secure 2D barcode. This reform, based on the EU VAP platform, aims to modernize migration management, with 29 member states' consulates processing nearly 11.7 million applications in 2024. The new digital visa, applicable to both short and long-stay categories, features a 2D barcode with a cryptographic signature and the applicant's biometric facial image, ensuring maximum security against manipulation or counterfeiting. For travelers without smartphones, a printable version of the digital visa will be available. This initiative follows a successful pilot phase conducted by France during the 2024 Olympic Games, where approximately 70,000 digital visas were issued to accredited individuals. The EU VAP platform, accessible via .europa.eu, will serve as a single portal for all online procedures, from document submission to online payment, with interactive tracking and a chatbot for assistance. While initial applications still require an in-person visit for fingerprint and photo collection, these biometric data remain valid for 59 months, allowing subsequent renewals to be done remotely. The digital visa implementation will be gradual, with the platform expected to be operational in 2028. Schengen Area countries will have seven years to integrate, setting the final deadline for 2031, with a period of technical coexistence between physical and digital formats
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Algérie360.