Key Points
The European Commission has published amended regulations on the digitalization for Schengen visas and the movement of third-country nationals within the border-free zone...
According to a SchengenVisaInfo report, the updated regulations outline the transformation of Schengen visas into a digital format, featuring a 2D barcode cryptographically signed by the Country Signing Certificate Authority of the issuing Member State..
Digital visas will include the facial image of the visa holder and will be both printable and accessible for all travelers, regardless of origin or destination...
The amendments also anticipate the integration of the EU VAP with other EU systems like the Entry Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), maximizing utilization while considering technological constraints and Member States' investments in national systems...
While citizens from over 60 countries, including Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States, usually do not require Schengen visas for short visits, they will still need to apply online for pre-screened entry through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), expected to be operational in mid-2025...
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