|
Public consultation on digital visas
On 11 March, the European Commission launched a public consultation on online visa application process and digital visa. The following description of the initiative is given:
“As announced in the Pact on Migration and Asylum, this initiative aims to introduce a digital visa to replace the paper visa sticker currently used and to enable those planning to travel to the EU to submit their visa application online. A (largely) paperless and contactless visa procedure will be more cost-effective and will save time for travellers and consulates, while also ensuring the highest level of security at EU borders.”
The inception impact assessment gives a few options ranging from the statu quo to a mandatory EU online application portal, a fully digital procedure and a digital visa. In this last scenario, the applicant would identify him/herself online and submit his/her fingerprints, facial image and copy of travel document using a smartphone application.
|
