EU Announces Better and User-Friendly Visa Policy

March 22, 2018

The New Year brings in better and user-friendly European Union visa policy. Every year millions of travelers from around the world visit European Union countries using the Schengen visa. Visa Code, the common visa for all European Union, might be undergoing some positive changes, to enable maximum comfort to the traveler. The reforms are only announced as a proposal currently but will soon be official.

Some updated proposal includes:

1. Flexible and faster

Currently, the EU commission allows foreign travelers to apply for a visa three months in advance, but under the proposal, it might allow visitors to apply six months in advance.

2. The longer validity of multiple entry visas

There are high chances of five-year numerous entry visas granted to frequent travelers and member states who aren’t part of the commission. It was highly requested to avoid time spent on visa shopping.

3. Short term visa at borders

A proposal for offering short-term visa at external borders for up to seven days has been made as well. However, only Member State citizens will be eligible for this visa.

4. Increase in visa fees for security purposes

The visa fees will be increased from 60 euros to 80 euros for security purposes. The fees weren’t increased since 2006 and definitely needed an increase. This fee is to help EU countries to maintain consular staff across the globe, stronger security system, software update, and computer repairs.

Visa rules for partner countries

European Union has developed stricter rules for partner countries. If a partner country is unable to tackle migrants who overstay in European Union and reduce its number, will have to face severe consequences. European Union might even cancel its agreement with the partner country. In the recent years, illegal economic immigration has been increasing in European Union. People from Africa or European countries like Bulgaria are illegally entering EU countries.