The EU opens the possibility to apply online for a visa to the Schengen area

The Council of the European Union adopted new rules on November 13, 2023 that allow online visa applications for the Schengen Area. The purpose of these new rules is to improve the efficiency of the visa application process and to ensure security in the Schengen area. According to Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlasky Gomez, the ability to apply online for a Schengen visa will be an important improvement for citizens and will speed up the processing of applications. "This will simplify the application process for travelers and reduce the burden on national administrations, allowing them to respond faster and more efficiently." One of the adopted regulations provides for the creation of an EU visa application platform through which, with some exceptions, Schengen visa applications will be made.