In 2020 the new EU Visa Code into force. The purpose of the new Visa Code is the process of a visa application more efficient and simplified.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for short-stay visas (Schengen visa) both in terms of policy and implementation. The Schengen visa policy is developed within the framework of European laws and regulations and aims to promote and simplify legal travel and combat illegal immigration to the Schengen area.
Condition of issue: Visa code
The Schengen visa policy makes an important contribution to the security of the Schengen area. The Visa Code is leading in this. Thanks to the Visa Code, foreign travelers with a visa requirement can travel through all Schengen countries for a maximum of ninety days with a single visa. The Visa Code defines the procedures and conditions for issuing transit or short-stay visas within the Schengen area.
Schengen visa: What will change in 2020?
The new Visa Code contains a large number of important changes for which the Netherlands has made a strong case in recent years and which should modernize the process.
Decisions from now on centrally in the Netherlands
The new Visa Code states that decisions on a visa allocation can also be made centrally. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has started gradually centralizing the decision-making process in The Hague. Up to and including 2020, regional back offices will be gradually transferred to the Consular Service Organization (CSO) in The Hague. This is a central back office where decisions on visa applications can be made centrally from the Netherlands.
More cooperation with external service providers
The new Visa Code states that Member States are no longer obliged to have a visa application processed through the embassy or consulate if they work with external service providers, such as Vfs global.
Apply for a Schengen visa digitally
The new Visa Code takes into account the possibility of submitting applications digitally and signing electronically. In addition, the Netherlands wants to offer the possibility to pay electronically.
Since September 2018, it is possible to fill in the visa application form digitally. A start has also been made with the digitization of the visa files. However, applying for a visa fully digitally is not yet possible due to the mandatory fingerprint that cannot yet be issued remotely.
Extension of visa application period
The application period for a visa prior to departure to the Schengen area will be extended from the current 3 months to 6 months.
Increase standard visa fee
The application fee (costs) of a Schengen visa go up from 60 to 80 euros with some exceptions. Visa costs have not increased since 2006. The visa is currently not cost-effective for the Netherlands.
Decision period for visa applications
In accordance with the current Visa Code, the standard processing time for visa applications is 15 days. This general 15-day rule has been maintained in the new Visa Code, as advocated by various countries, including the Netherlands. In special cases, the term can be extended to a maximum of 45 days.
Visa Information System (VIS) modernization
The renewal of the Visa Code is a first step in the modernization of the visa policy. It will be the second step Visa Information System (VIS) modernized. The VIS is an EU database containing all Schengen visa applications. In May 2018, the European Commission issued a proposal with the aim of improving the VIS. The changes are necessary to better respond to security and migration challenges and to better secure the EU's external borders.
New visa sticker
The visa sticker in the passport is the last piece in the visa process. Despite the fact that the Netherlands likes to think about digital visas, it is important that the current visa sticker is not lost sight of. The 3rd generation of this Schengen visa sticker is currently in use. However, fraudsters are increasingly successful in counterfeiting many of the carefully formulated security requirements. This year, therefore, the new visa sticker will be introduced, with further security measures and features. The old sticker may be used until December 2019.
Source: Consular Policy Note 2019 – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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