Schengen Visa Goes Digital
The European Union (EU) will soon replace traditional Schengen visa stickers. By 2028, they will implement a fully digital barcode system for visas.
Overall, this development aims to ease travel, reduce fraud, and boost security across all Schengen member states. Moreover, the EU aims to streamline the application process with such a digital transformation.
New Schengen Visa System in Action
In 2024, France piloted the system during the Paris Olympics. Specifically, it issued secure, encrypted barcode visas to over 70,000 travelers.
Meanwhile, the EU plans to expand this similar platform in stages. It has scheduled a full rollout by 2028, but initial digital services begin in 2026.
Notably, the digital Schengen visa includes a 2D barcode linked to a secure EU database. Correspondingly, immigration officers will scan it at borders.
Hence, applicants will upload documents, pay fees, and receive approvals online—effectively eliminating physical stickers.
No More Lengthy Paperwork
Overall, travelers will benefit from shorter wait times and fewer in-person appointments. Also, first-time applicants still need to provide biometrics in person.
However, repeat applicants can renew online without visiting a Schengen visa center again.
Meanwhile, border crossings will be faster. Authorities can scan the barcode in seconds, cutting delays.
“The new visa rules will modernise, simplify, and harmonise the visa procedures through digitalisation,” the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs noted in a statement.
“This will benefit both the third country nationals applying for a Schengen visa and the EU Member States processing these requests, by streamlining visa applications and lessening costs for applicants and issuing authorities,” it added. “These new rules will also mitigate risks associated to physical visa stickers.”
Benefits for Indian Travelers
The UAE will be among the first countries to benefit. In particular, on October 12, 2025, the EU will activate its new Entry/Exit System (EES).
Notably, this digital Schengen visa system will replace physical passport stamps and integrate biometric e-gates at airports.
For Indian travelers, embassies like France and Germany will continue initial processing. But follow-up visits may no longer be necessary after 2026.
According to EU data, member states issued over 23 million Schengen visas were issued in 2019 alone. Moving digital will help scale and simplify this volume.
Enhanced Security and Centralization
Importantly, digital barcodes reduce forgery and lost documents. They tie directly into EU security systems like ETIAS and EES.
In addition, the central system will make tracking, updating, and auditing visas easier for border authorities.
Despite these improvements, concerns remain. Data privacy and IT infrastructure readiness vary across member states.
Even so, EU leadership insists full adoption is feasible within the next three years.
Outlook for New Schengen Visa
By 2026, a hybrid model will run alongside paper visas. Travelers can opt for digital where available.
The EU also plans to explore a more flexible, long-term tourist Schengen visa—but it is not yet finalized.
Still, the digital transition marks a clear policy shift. It prioritizes modern mobility and smarter borders.
Travelers should watch for embassy announcements and digital rollouts by country over the next 18 months.
Photo by Arnaud STECKLE on Unsplash
