Planning a European holiday or business trip? If you hold an Indian passport and often apply for a Schengen visa, there’s a major update you need to know. The European Union (EU) is rolling out the digital Schengen visa system — one of the biggest shifts in visa procedures in decades.
This change is designed to make applications faster, travel smoother, and border security stronger. Here’s everything Indian travelers (and UAE-based Indians applying for Schengen visas) should know.
What’s Changing?
Traditionally, Schengen visas were issued as a sticker in your passport. From October 2025, this will gradually be replaced with a digital barcode-based visa that links directly to your passport.
✅ No more visa stickers
✅ Barcode scanned at immigration
✅ Fully electronic record of entry/exit
Why Is This Transition Important?
The EU’s goal is to modernize travel and border management. The new system brings several advantages:
Faster processing: Digital submissions reduce manual work at embassies.
Reduced fraud: A secure barcode is harder to forge than paper stickers.
Eco-friendly: Less paperwork, lower carbon footprint.
Seamless travel: Works in sync with EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS platforms already being introduced in Europe.
Timeline for the Rollout
October 12, 2025 → Six-month phased rollout begins across all 29 Schengen countries.
April 2026 → Full implementation expected; all new visas will be digital.
Transition period → Both sticker visas and digital barcodes may be in use, so travelers need to double-check requirements when applying.
Big News for Indian Passport Holders
Indian nationals are set to benefit from the five-year Schengen visa option under the “cascade scheme.” This means:
Easier access to multiple countries
Longer stays allowed
Better convenience for frequent flyers, students, and business travelers
For many Indians, this will be a game-changer, especially those traveling frequently between India, the UAE, and Europe.
What About Wait Times?
While the new system won’t remove delays overnight, it promises more consistent processing times once fully active. At present:
Average waiting time: 15 to 45 days, depending on country and season.
Tip: Apply at least 6–8 weeks in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
What Applicants Should Watch Out For
Accurate documentation is still essential. Errors in forms or missing documents will likely result in rejection.
Multiple rejections can affect your future applications.
Updated guidelines will continue to be released — applicants should monitor official embassy and VFS Global announcements.
Updates for UAE Residents of Indian Origin
If you’re applying for a Swiss Schengen visa through VFS Global, note that:
Only documents listed in the official visa checklist will now be accepted at visa application centres.
Additional or unnecessary papers will not be considered, so ensure you prepare exactly what’s required.
EES & ETIAS: What They Mean for Travelers
EES (Entry/Exit System): Launching in October, this replaces manual passport stamps with biometric scans (fingerprints + facial recognition) and digital logs of entry and exit.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System): A pre-travel authorization required for many non-EU travelers (similar to the US ESTA system).
For travelers from the UAE and India, this means:
Faster e-gate access at airports
No more paper stamping
Streamlined arrivals and departures
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will visas become fully digital?
From 2026, all Schengen visas will be barcode-based and linked electronically to your passport.
2. Will this shorten visa approval time?
It should improve consistency, but seasonal demand will still cause delays. Apply early.
3. Can Schengen visas still be rejected?
Yes. Rejections are common if documents are incomplete or travel history raises concerns. France, Spain, and Germany currently see higher rejection rates.
4. Which country will issue the first digital visa?
All 29 Schengen nations will launch simultaneously during the 2025–2026 rollout.
5. How will Indians apply?
One online application, biometric submission, document upload → approval → secure barcode delivered digitally, linked to your passport chip.
Anjali’s Advice: Be Prepared Early
The Schengen visa process is entering a new era. While it promises more convenience, it also demands accuracy and preparation.
At Anjali Visa Consultancy, we help travelers with:
End-to-end application support
Document verification against official checklists
Guidance on the new digital visa process
Tracking updates and ensuring compliance with new rules
👉 If Europe is on your travel list for 2025–26, now is the time to start planning. Contact us today and make sure your application is future-proof.