The European Committee offers an easier access to Schengen visas

On the first day of April the European Committee made an offer the provision of an easy access for short-term trips in the Schengen zone. The committee noted that many citizens from countries that are not part of the European Union and want to travel to the countries in the Schengen area, have to face a long and expensive procedure in order to be issued visas, even if they plan just a short trip. Thanks to that offer, it is believed that these visa procedures for short stays will be reduced and simplified. This step is expected to result in less bureaucracy and savings, yet the security level will remain the same.

The easier access to the Schengen visas will increase the number of short stays to relatives and friends, and the number of short business trips. As a result, this will increase the economic activity and will be beneficial for all parties. According to a recent study, the flexible requirements when Schengen visa issues are concerned will result in up to 60 % increase in the short trips in the passport free Schengen zone. People from South Africa and Saudi Arabia, from India, China, Russia and Ukraine will be able to travel more. Bulgaria hopes to become part of the Schengen zone for free traveling by the end of this year. Currently, the Bulgarian citizens do not need visas in order to enter the Schengen travel free area for short periods of time.