Indian travelers planning trips to Europe will soon see big changes in how they apply for a Schengen visa. Starting from mid-2025, the European Union is rolling out a digital transformation that will move the entire Schengen visa process online. This shift aims to make travel easier, safer, and faster for millions, including the large number of Indians who visit Europe each year.
The European Union is introducing the EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP), a new centralized online system for Schengen visa applications. Instead of filling out paper forms and visiting embassies, most applicants will be able to apply for their visas from anywhere with internet access. The EU expects the full digital system to be in place by 2028, with a transition period lasting until around 2030. During this time, member countries will gradually switch to the new system.
What Will Change for Indian Travelers?
The biggest change is the move from paper-based applications and physical visa stickers to a fully digital process. The new system will let Indian travelers:
- Apply online through the EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP)
- Upload documents and pay visa fees electronically
- Track application status in real time
- Receive a digital visa with a secure 2D barcode instead of a sticker in their passport
Physical visits to embassies or consulates will only be needed for first-time applicants or when renewing biometric data. For most people, the process will be much more convenient and can be done from home at any time.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this digital transformation will make the Schengen visa process much easier for Indian travelers, reducing paperwork and long waits at consulates.
How the Digital Schengen Visa Works
The new Schengen visa will be a digital document, not a sticker. It will include an encrypted 2D barcode with the traveler’s photo and other security features. This barcode will be signed by the country that issues the visa, making it very hard to fake or copy. Border officers will scan the barcode to check the visa’s details and make sure the traveler matches the information.
The digital system will also use biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, to confirm the traveler’s identity. This helps prevent identity fraud and makes travel safer for everyone.
Timeline for the Digital Transformation
- 2025: The EU starts testing the digital visa system.
- 2026-2028: The EU Visa Application Platform becomes available in more countries, including India.
- 2028: All Schengen visa applications must be digital.
- 2030: End of the transition period; all member countries must use the new system.
EU starts testing the digital visa system
Entry/Exit System (EES) starts recording traveler entries and exits
EU Visa Application Platform becomes available in more countries, including India
All Schengen visa applications must be digital
End of the transition period; all member countries must use the new system
During the transition, some countries may still use paper applications, but most will move to the digital system as soon as possible.
Other Changes: EES and ETIAS
Alongside the digital Schengen visa, the EU is launching two other systems to improve border security:
- Entry/Exit System (EES): Starting in October 2025, this system will record when travelers enter and leave the Schengen Area. It replaces manual passport stamping with electronic records.
- European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS): This is a new travel authorization for people who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area. It checks travelers before they arrive to improve security.
Both systems work together with the digital visa to make travel safer and more efficient.
Step-by-Step Guide for Indians Applying for a Schengen Visa (2025-2028)
- Create an account on the EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP) when it becomes available for India.
- Fill out the online application form and upload all required documents, such as your passport, photos, travel plans, and proof of health insurance.
- Pay the visa fee online using the platform. Manual payment options will be available if online payment is not possible.
- Schedule a biometric appointment at the nearest visa center or consulate if you are a first-time applicant or need to renew your biometric data.
- Track your application status online through the platform.
- Receive your digital visa with a 2D barcode by email or through your account. You can print it or keep it on your phone.
- Travel to Schengen countries and show your digital visa at border control, where officers will scan the barcode.
Benefits for Indian Travelers
- Greater convenience: No need to visit embassies for most applications.
- Faster processing: Automation and digital checks can speed up decisions.
- 24/7 access: Apply anytime, from anywhere with internet.
- Better security: Digital visas are harder to fake, and biometric checks reduce identity fraud.
- Multi-year visas: Travelers with a good visa history may get longer visas.
- Higher insurance coverage: Health insurance must now cover at least €50,000, up from €30,000.
Challenges and Solutions
Some travelers may worry about using online systems or have trouble with internet access. The EU plans to keep manual payment options and provide help at visa centers for those who need it. The transition period until 2030 gives everyone time to adjust.
For those who need help, Indian embassies and consulates in Schengen countries will offer guidance. The EU also plans to launch a mobile app and digital travel documents to make the process even smoother.
Background: Why Is the EU Making These Changes?
The Schengen Area, which allows free travel between 27 European countries, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025. Over the years, the number of travelers has grown, and security challenges have changed. The EU wants to modernize its border management to keep up with new threats and make travel easier for visitors.
Digitizing the Schengen visa is a key part of this plan. It will help the EU share information between countries, catch fraud, and process applications more quickly. The digital transformation also fits into the EU’s larger goal of creating a single digital system for travel and border checks.
Official Support and Stakeholders
The European Commission is leading the digital transformation, having set the legal rules for digital visas in 2023. Schengen member states can join the new system at their own pace during the transition. Some countries, like Switzerland, have already changed their laws to match the EU’s digital visa requirements.
Indian travelers are among the main groups who will benefit from these changes. The new system will make it easier for them to visit Europe for tourism, business, or family reasons.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
By 2028, all Schengen visa applications will be digital. The EU will keep improving the system, adding more security features and making it easier to use. The mobile app and digital travel documents will help travelers move smoothly across borders.
The Entry/Exit System and ETIAS will work with the digital visa to make travel safer and more organized. The EU hopes these changes will make Europe a more attractive and secure destination for visitors from India and around the world.
Where to Find More Information
For the latest updates on Schengen visa policies and the digital transformation, travelers can visit the European Commission’s Migration and Home Affairs page. This site offers official news and guidance on the new system.
Travelers should also check the websites of Indian embassies and consulates in Schengen countries for country-specific advice, especially during the transition period.
Key Takeaways for Indian Travelers
- The Schengen visa process is going fully digital by 2028.
- Most applications will be done online through the EU Visa Application Platform.
- Digital visas will use secure barcodes and biometric data for better safety.
- The new system promises faster, easier, and safer travel to Europe.
- Indian travelers should prepare by making sure they have internet access and the required documents.
As the EU moves forward with this digital transformation, Indian travelers can look forward to a smoother and more secure experience when visiting Europe.
Learn Today
Schengen visa → A short-stay visa allowing travel across 27 European countries in the Schengen Area.
EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP) → Centralized online system for submitting and tracking Schengen visa applications digitally.
Biometric data → Unique personal data like fingerprints and facial recognition used for identity verification.
2D barcode → Encrypted digital code on visas to securely store traveler and visa information.
Entry/Exit System (EES) → Electronic system recording travelers’ border entries and exits in the Schengen Area.
This Article in a Nutshell
India’s Schengen visa process is moving online starting 2025, enabling seamless applications via the EU Visa Application Platform with biometric security. This digital shift promises faster processing, reduced paperwork, and enhanced traveler convenience. By 2028, all Schengen visa requests will be fully digital, streamlining travel to Europe significantly for Indians.
— By VisaVerge.com
