Immigration News - European Union Changes to Schengen visas proposed Share this article LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) March 28, 2018 IMPACT – MEDIUM What is the change? The European Commission has proposed significant changes to the common visa policy of the Schengen Area, including seven-day visas-on-arrival, consistent rules on visa validity to prevent “visa shopping,” faster processing, and the potential introduction of e-visas. What does the change mean? The reforms are intended to promote short-term visits and streamline visa services for low-risk and frequent travelers while deterring irregular migration by imposing mandatory security checks and linking visa policy with cooperation on readmission of undocumented immigrants. Implementation time frame: The changes are in the proposal stage and an implementation date has not been announced. Visas/permits affected: Schengen (C type) visas. Who is affected: Foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Schengen member countries. Bulgaria, Croatia, Ireland, Cyprus, Romania and the United Kingdom do not take part in the common visa policy. Impact on processing times: Schengen visas would be processed in 10 days instead of the current 15 days. Business impact: The proposed changes offer greater flexibility for frequent travelers and urgent trips. Next steps: The changes must be approved by the European Parliament and the European Council. Key proposals: To facilitate tourism, Schengen countries will be allowed to issue single-entry visas at their borders for stays of up to seven days (valid in the issuing country only) under strict temporary schemes. Schengen visas will be processed in 10 days instead of the current 15 days; applicants will be able to submit applications six month before travel instead of the current three months; and applicants will be able to fill out and sign their applications electronically instead of in-person. Schengen countries will be subject to a single set of mandatory rules for issuing multiple-entry visas to prevent visa shopping. Frequent travelers with a clean visa history will be eligible for multiple-entry visas that have validity periods that gradually increase from one year to a maximum of five years. Government processing fees for Schengen visas will increase from the current €60 to €80. Schengen visa policy will be linked to the cooperation of the individual non-EU country in readmitting their nationals who overstay or are undocumented. The commission will conduct a study, to be completed by the end of the year, on the feasibility of switching to a fully digital e-visa system. BAL Analysis: If adopted, the proposals offer greater flexibility for non-EEA travelers to the Schengen region for business or tourism, particularly repeat and frequent travelers. The policy allowing for visas to be issued at the external borders will be a flexible option for individuals traveling on short-notice who do not have time to obtain a visa at a consulate. This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney. Copyright © 2018 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.