The EU has issues new rules on short-stay visas to simplify the process for travelers to apply for a visa. These visas will aid visitors seeking to visit Europe for tourism, trade, and business while also providing tools for countering security risks and irregular migration. The new rules apply to citizens from all countries which already need visas for travel to the EU. This includes people from 105 non-EU countries; for those from countries with visa-free travel, there will be no change.
These short stay visas cover travel for the 22 EU states in the Schengen area, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. A short-stay visa issued by any of these 26 countries will allow travel to the rest for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The EU Parliament and Council agreed to these changes in June 2019. Easier rules for short-term visas will bolster the important tourism and travel industry in the EU. In the last decade, the number of applications for short-term visas has increased by 57%, reaching over 16 million applications in 2018. Before these changes, the visa application process had not been updated since 2010, and the fees associated with the application since 2006.
The new rules include benefits for travelers themselves in addition to the benefits to the EU of increasing security and decreasing the risk of irregular immigration. Travelers will have the ability to submit applications up to 6 months prior to travel instead of the 3-month period from before the changes. It will be easier to obtain multiple-entry visas with validity from 1 to 5 years, making the need to reapply for visas less frequent. Applications are now able to be filled in electronically and submitted directly in the traveler’s country of residence, saving time, money and hassle.
The requirements for applying for a short-stay visa have not changed. Applicants must present to the embassy or consulate of the country they to which they intend to travel (or if visiting multiple countries, the embassy or consulate of the country they will spend the most time): a filled in and signed visa application form, a passport issued in the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the end of the stay, an identity photograph, proof of possession of adequate and valid travel medical insurance, supporting documents relating to the purpose of the stay, evidence of means of support during the stay and accommodation. They must also pay the fee, and if required, have their fingerprints taken.
The fee itself has been increased by only €20 to €80. This increase is the first since 2006, as the former fee of €60 no longer sufficiently covered the costs of processing applications. These costs included staffing, premises and equipment. The increase will ensure adequate resources to maintain consular coverage worldwide. In the long run, most travelers will save money due to the change in rules for long-validity visas.
For further information: New EU visa rules