Visa Code Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 - Common Visa Policy for Schengen Area

Introduction

The Visa Code Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 is a legal framework that governs the issuance of short-stay visas for the Schengen Area. Implemented to harmonise visa procedures, this regulation ensures that all Schengen countries follow the same rules when processing and issuing visas for short stays. 

History & recent amendments

Adopted on July 13, 2009, the EU Visa Code came into effect in April 2010. Since its adoption, the regulation has undergone amendments to improve efficiency and respond to evolving challenges. Some of the major amendments were made in 2016, 2019, 2023 and 2024. 

Here are five of the most important changes to the Schengen visa process introduced in the recent years:

• Increase in visa fee: The recent amendment raised Schengen visa fees to €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 12. This increase is primarily due to the rising costs across the EU.  

• Digitalisation of the visa process: The 2023 amendment set the goal of fully digitising the visa process by 2025, enabling applicants to complete forms and submit documents online.

• Extended visa validity: The 2019 amendment allowed frequent travellers with a positive visa history to receive multiple-entry visas valid for 1 to 5 years, reducing the need for repeated applications.

• Enhanced Information System: Expanding the Visa Information System (VIS) to improve data collection and sharing between member states, enhancing security and visa processing.

• Biometric data collection: To strengthen security, mandatory biometric collection was introduced in the 2015 amendment. 

Key features of the Visa Code Regulation 

Here are the most common features of the Visa Code Regulation (EC) No 810/2009:

• Standard application procedures: The regulation mandates a consistent visa application process, including document requirements, biometrics collection, and processing times. This uniformity ensures that applicants are treated equally, no matter where they apply.

• Visa fees and waivers: The regulation standardises visa fees across all Schengen countries. Additionally, certain categories of applicants, such as children, students, and researchers, may benefit from fee reductions or waivers.

• Decision-making and appeals: The regulation outlines specific timelines for visa processing, generally within 15 calendar days. It also gives applicants the right to appeal visa refusals, ensuring transparency and fairness in decision-making.

• Multiple visa types: The Visa Code covers various short-stay visas, including those for tourism, business, family visits, and transit, to accommodate a wide range of travel purposes.