EU Confirms Digital Schengen Visa for 2025: What Expats Must Know Before Applying
Spain News
Published: 09 May 2025 13:55 CET
EU Confirms Digital Schengen Visa for 2025: What Expats Must Know Before Applying
Planning to visit Spain or any other EU country from outside the Schengen Area? The way you apply for a visa is about to change. In 2025, the European Union is rolling out its new digital Schengen visa system — and while it hasn’t launched in Spain yet, national systems are being prepared to comply before the deadline.
What’s changing in 2025?
The new system will allow travelers to apply for a Schengen visa online through a single EU platform, instead of submitting paper applications to individual consulates. This move is designed to simplify the process, reduce fraud, and create a consistent experience across all Schengen countries — including Spain.
Key changes:
- Visa applications will be submitted via an official EU website — not via Spanish embassies
- Supporting documents (passport scan, travel insurance, proof of accommodation) must be uploaded digitally
- Visa stickers will be replaced with a cryptographically signed digital barcode
- Biometric data (fingerprints, photos) must still be provided — but only at your first-ever appointment
Who this affects:
This change does not apply to UK, US, Canadian, or Australian tourists — they remain visa-exempt for short stays. However, if you're from a non-EU country that still requires a visa to enter Spain — including nationals of India, China, South Africa, Turkey, and many others — this affects you directly.
It also affects non-EU family members of EU citizens who need a short-stay visa to travel with their spouse or parent.
What’s the timeline?
The digital visa platform was approved by the European Parliament and EU Council in late 2023. Member states are currently integrating the system, with full implementation expected across the EU by the end of 2025. Spain is one of the countries preparing to roll it out within that timeframe.
How to prepare:
- Scan your passport and all required travel documents in advance
- Get a compliant digital photo ready (matching biometric specs)
- Bookmark the official EU platform once it launches — never apply through third-party sites
- Beware of scams: fake visa application websites are expected to surge during the transition
Related reading:
Health insurance reminder:
If you're applying for a Schengen visa, you must prove you have valid travel health insurance that covers at least €30,000 in medical costs — including emergency repatriation.
The Sanitas International Students plan and Sanitas Top Quantum plans both offer visa-compliant coverage for non-EU residents coming to Spain.
