The European Union adopted new rules on 13 November 2023, which will allow people who plan to travel to the Schengen area to apply online for a visa, once the new online system becomes gradually operational in 2028. The new rules will modernise, simplify, and harmonise the visa procedures through digitalisation, which benefits third country nationals applying for a visa, including Kuwaiti citizens and residents.

The new rules will modernise two main aspects of the visa procedure: the application phase by setting up an EU Online Visa application platform and the way visas are issued, with the introduction of a digital visa. Through the future single EU Online Visa application platform, applicants will be able to apply for a Schengen visa online, regardless of the Schengen country they want to visit. It will also provide the applicants with all necessary information regarding the requirements and procedures.

H.E. Anne Koistinen, European Union Ambassador to the State of Kuwait said: “The Schengen visa digitalisation is a positive step, and builds on the more favourable visa rules that were adopted in September 2023 for Kuwaiti nationals. Easing Schengen visa requirements for Kuwaiti citizens is one of my priorities, and it will facilitate people to people contacts in line with the EU’s Gulf Strategy. Until the new online visa system becomes operational in 2028, I encourage Schengen visa applicants in Kuwait to continue following the existing procedures issued by the concerned embassies in Kuwait.”

The EU Online Visa platform will start operating in 2028. Once the new system is running, applicants will still need to come in person to Schengen Consular offices or service providers in case of first-time applicants, people whose biometric data are no longer valid and people with a new travel document. This new system will also replace the current visa sticker with a cryptographically signed barcode.