The European Union is ushering in a new era of visa processing with a transition to a fully digital Schengen visa system. This move scheduled for full implementation by 2028 will make traditional visa stickers obsolete, replacing them with cryptographically signed 2D barcodes that enhance both efficiency and security.
What You Should Do Now
- Apply only through the official EU platform once available.
- Prepare biometric data if you are applying for the first time.
- Stay updated using trusted sources and avoid third-party scams.
- Plan ahead for ETIAS requirements if you are a visa-exempt traveler.
How the Digital Schengen Visa Works
- Applicants will complete the entire application online: submit documents, pay fees, upload photos, and track progress through a unified EU platform, the EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP).
- First-time applicants will still need to provide biometric data in person (fingerprints and facial images). Returning applicants may have a simplified process.
- At border checkpoints, travelers will scan their visa barcode, connected to a centralized EU database for instant verification.
Timeline of Deployment
- The EU Council approved the digital visa rules in late 2023, with phased implementation planned between 2026 and 2028.
- Member states will gradually transition from their national platforms to the centralized EU VAP, developed by eu-LISA, the agency managing EU border systems.
New Border Security Systems: EES and ETIAS
Entry/Exit System (EES)
The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be launched in October 2025 and rolled out until March 2026. It will replace manual passport stamping with electronic biometric records, including fingerprints, photos, and entry-exit timestamps for travelers on short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
By late 2026, visa-exempt travelers (such as those from the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and India) will need to apply for ETIAS travel authorization. ETIAS is not a visa but a mandatory online clearance, valid for up to three years.
The ETIAS fee will increase from €7 to €20 for applicants aged 18–70.
Applications will be processed onlineand typically approved within minutes, though in rare cases it may take up to 30 days.
Key Dates to Remember
Initiative | Timeline |
Digital Visa Rollout | 2026–2028 |
EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP) | Starts 2026, complete by 2028 |
Entry/Exit System (EES) | October 2025 – March 2026 |
ETIAS Travel Authorization | Late 2026 (fee |
What You Should Do Now
- Apply only through the official EU platform once available.
- Prepare biometric data if you are applying for the first time.
- Stay updated using trusted sources and avoid third-party scams.
- Plan ahead for ETIAS requirements if you are a visa-exempt traveler.
