NEW EU VISA CODE COMES INTO FORCE
Baku, April 5 (AZERTAC). Starting from today, 5 April, the EU Visa Code will become applicable in the Schengen area. The Code brings together in a single document all legal provisions governing decisions on visas. It will increase the transparency of the current system while also enhancing legal certainty and ensuring equal treatment of applicants.
The new Code will also create a harmonized set of EU rules across the 22 EU Member States and 3 associated States that form the Schengen area.
The Visa Code draws together all existing legal provisions on visas and lays down common rules on conditions and procedures for their issuing. It includes general provisions, as well as rules determining the Member State responsible for a visa application and it harmonizes provisions on processing of applications and decisions.
The uniform EU visa application forms have been slimmed down. The content required has been clarified for the benefit of both applicants and consular staff.
Further categories of persons will benefit from a visa fee waiver and children of 6-12 years of age should only pay a visa fee of €35 (the general fee remains €60).
Nationals of third countries with which the Union has concluded Visa Facilitation Agreements shall continue to pay a visa fee of €35.
Moreover, the Code increases transparency and legal certainty of the process. It requires providing a justification for refusals of visa applications and gives the opportunity for appealing against negative decisions.
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