The rules for obtaining visas to EU countries have changed

The purpose of the changes

The updated rules are expected to make it easier to develop tourism, business contacts and sport. The changes are also expected to allow more effective action against illegal migration and to prevent threats to the internal security of European Union countries.

There are currently 105 states in the world whose citizens must obtain visas to visit the EU. The updates will be relevant for them. As for countries that have concluded a visa-free travel agreement with the European Union, the changes will not affect them.

The new rules apply to the 22 Schengen Agreement countries, as well as Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Iceland. A standard type C visa (for short-term stays) issued by one of these countries gives the right to stay in the territory of all Schengen Agreement countries for 90 days within a 180-day period.

What will change?

The new provisions will appeal to those who prefer to arrange a trip well in advance. Whereas previously visa documents could be submitted no earlier than three months before a visit to the EU, the period has now been extended to six months. The maximum processing time for documents is still 15 days. In special cases, if closer verification of the information is required, it may be extended to a month and a half (45 days).

In most cases, a visa application can be submitted electronically and with an electronic signature. Documents must be submitted in person in those cases where fingerprints have to be taken, i.e. once every five years.

The conditions for obtaining multiple-entry visas are becoming simpler. People with a positive visa history, i.e. those who have committed no violations during previous visits to the EU, can obtain multiple-entry visas, and the validity of such visas will gradually increase from one year to 5 years.

There is also less pleasant news. The visa fee for a Schengen visa will rise for the first time since 2006 and will now be 80 euros rather than 60. This change, however, will affect only those states that have not signed a visa facilitation agreement with the European Union. If a country has such an agreement (as Russia does, for example), the visa fee will remain the same as before – 35 euros.

As before, a Schengen visa can be used to visit Bulgaria. As for the issuing of Bulgarian visas specifically, these are still issued under the old rules. We remind you that a Bulgarian visa does not give the right to travel to Schengen Agreement countries.

Combating illegal migration

According to the European Commission, there are plans for ongoing monitoring of how effectively third countries cooperate with the EU on the return home of their citizens deported from the European Union. States that cooperate actively and successfully will be rewarded: their citizens will be issued visas faster and for longer periods.

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