EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1. CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL

Grounds for and objectives of the proposal

This proposal recasts and amends Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code).

This proposal takes into account the increased political emphasis given to the economic impact of visa policy on the wider European Union economy, and in particular on tourism, to ensure greater consistency with the growth objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, in line with the Commission's communication Implementation and development of the common visa policy to spur growth in the European Union.[1]

The proposal also builds on the conclusions drawn in the Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the evaluation of the implementation of the Visa Code[2]. The report is accompanied by a Commission staff working paper[3] containing the detailed evaluation.

This proposal also contains two measures to facilitate family contacts: It introduces certain procedural facilitations for close relatives coming to visit Union citizens residing in the territory of the Member State of which the latter are nationals and for close relatives of Union citizens living in a third country and wishing to visit together with the Union citizen the Member State of which the latter is a national.

Furthermore, it clarifies that the same procedural facilitations should as a minimum be granted to family members of EU citizens who benefit from article 5(2), second subparagraph of Directive 2004/38/EC on the rights of Union citizens and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States.

General context

Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visa (Visa Code) became applicable on 5 April 2010. The provisions regarding notification and the requirements on providing the grounds of refusal, revocation and annulment of visas and the right to appeal against such decisions, became applicable on 5 April 2011.

Article 57(1) of the Visa Code requires the Commission to send the European Parliament and the Council an evaluation of its application two years after all the provisions of the Visa Code have become applicable (i.e. 5 April 2013). The evaluation and accompanying staff working document have been submitted. Article 57(2) provides that the evaluation may be accompanied by a proposal for an amendment of the Regulation.

In the light of the evaluation report's conclusions, the Commission decided to submit this proposal for amendments to the legislation together with the report.

The proposed amendments while maintaining security at the external borders and ensuring the good functioning of the Schengen area, make travel easier for legitimate travellers and simplify the legal framework in the interest of Member States, e.g. by allowing more flexible rules on consular cooperation. The common visa policy should contribute to generating growth and be coherent with other EU policies on external relations, trade, education, culture and tourism.

Existing provisions

Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code).

2. RESULTS OF CONSULTATIONS WITH THE INTERESTED PARTIES AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Consultation of interested parties

The consultation of interested parties is covered in the impact assessment[4] accompanying this proposal.

Impact assessment (IA)

Based on the evaluation report referred to in section 1, two principal problem areas were identified:

(1) The overall length and costs (direct and indirect) and the cumbersome nature of the procedures;

The complex nature of this problem area is explained in detail in the IA. As far as regulatory options are concerned, the issuing of multiple-entry visas (MEVs) with a long validity accompanied by certain procedural facilitations was considered the only win-win solution for both sides. It has the potential to lessen the administrative burden on consulates and, at the same time, it is considered a very important facilitation for certain groups of travellers. In practice it would be equivalent to a visa waiver for the period of validity of the MEV, resulting in significant savings and efficiency gains both for visa applicants (in terms of time and cost) and consulates (time). The policy options envisaged in response to this problem area are therefore fairly similar. Only the beneficiaries to be covered and the length of validity of the MEVs to be issued differ, as follows:

Minimum regulatory option: introduction of mandatory procedural facilitations and mandatory issuing of MEVs valid for at least one year and subsequently for three years for frequent travellers (defined as applicants who have previously lawfully used at least three visas (within the previous 12 months prior to the date of the application) that are registered in the Visa Information System (VIS).

Intermediate option: introduction of mandatory procedural facilitations and mandatory issuing of MEVs valid for at least three years and subsequently for five years for regular travellers (defined as applicants who have previously lawfully used at least two visas that are registered in the VIS).

The maximum option identified would extend mandatory procedural facilitations and mandatory issuing of MEVs immediately for five years to the majority of applicants ('VIS registered applicants') by requiring only one lawfully used visa (within the previous twelve months prior to the date of the application) that is registered in the VIS.

The IA showed that these options would all further harmonise the current legal framework and would lead towards a genuinely common visa policy. The potential economic impacts on the Member States of these options occur because the travellers in possession of long(er) validity MEVs with are likely to make more trips to the Schengen area than they otherwise would. The IA estimates that some 500 000 additional trips to the Schengen area with the minimum policy option, some 2 million with the intermediate and some 3 million with the maximum policy option. The additional trips to the Schengen area obviously generate additional income: some. EUR 300 million (some 7 600 supported full time equivalent /FTE/ jobs) in case of the minimum option; more than EUR 1 billion (ca. 30 000 supported FTE job) with the intermediate option and some EUR 2 billion (50 000 supported FTE jobs) with the maximum option. The IA also showed that the very high potential economic impact of the maximum option is associated with a higher security risk.

None of these options would involve considerable additional costs. In fact, one of the driving forces behind the policy options is to produce savings for both the Member States/consulates and visa applicants. These options progressively lead to cost savings on the applicants' side, mainly resulting from the increasing number of long-validity MEVs issued. From the applicants' point of view, the maximum option is obviously the most efficient, and the minimum option is the least efficient. The declining number of visa applications under the MEV-system, is expected to reduce Member States' visa revenues. However, the issuing of MEVs also reduces costs, as fewer visa applications need to be processed: the economic benefits considerably exceed the estimated costs in all options.

While it was clear that the maximum option had a very high potential economic impact, it is associated with a potentially higher security risk, too. To mitigate this risk, the approach proposed is to issue longer-validity MEVs gradually to 'VIS registered regular travellers' (first for three years, then on the basis of lawful use of that visa, for five years). The impacts of this approach fall between the intermediate and the maximum option identified in the IA, probably closer to the impacts of the maximum option as far as the economic impacts are concerned.

(2) insufficient geographical coverage in visa processing.

The minimum policy option assessed for this problem area was to repeal Article 41 of the Visa Code (co-location, Common Application Centres (CAC)) and to introduce a general notion/concept of 'Schengen Visa Centre' which would provide a more realistic, more flexible definition with regard to certain forms of consular cooperation. The intermediate option in addition to the 'Schengen Visa Centres' was introducing the concept of 'mandatory representation' according to which, if the Member State competent to process the visa application is neither present nor represented (under such an arrangement) in a given third country any other Member State present in that country would be obliged to process visa applications on their behalf. Finally, as a maximum option, in order to ensure adequate visa collecting/processing coverage, Commission implementing decisions could lay down what the Schengen visa collecting network in third countries should look like in terms of representation arrangements, cooperation with external service providers and pooling of resources by other means.

The IA noted that the maximum policy option could have the most positive impacts in terms of rationalising the visa collecting/processing presence and could offer important advantages for visa applicants and significant efficiency gains for consulates. However its feasibility appears low. Based on the impact assessment, the intermediate option was preferred. The IA points out that 'mandatory representation' would secure consular coverage in any third country where there is at least one consulate present to process visa applications. This could have a positive impact on some 100 000 applicants who would be able to lodge the application in their country of residence instead of travelling to a country where the competent Member State is present or represented.

The economic impacts of all the policy options were considered fairly modest. In fact due to the very nature of the problem, the policy options were not aimed at generating economic growth in the first place, but providing a better service for visa applicants and providing a good legal framework for Member States to rationalise their resources. The financial impacts of 'mandatory representation' were considered not to be significant because, in principle, if a high number of visa applications is addressed to a Member State in a given third country that state will, in principle, already have ensured consular presence by being present or represented. Moreover the visa fee, in principle, covers the average cost of processing.

The non-regulatory policy options were considered to have very little positive impact on addressing the problems or achieving the policy objectives, so they were not considered very effective.

The evaluation report suggests, and this proposal deals with a number of other (mostly quite technical) issues. The IA did not cover those issues because the changes envisaged were not considered to have substantial and/or measurable budgetary, social, or economic implications; most of the proposed changes are intended to clarify or adjust/complement certain provisions of the Visa Code without altering their substance.

3. LEGAL ELEMENTS OF THE PROPOSAL

Summary

The proposed amendments concern the following issues:

The provisions on individual Member States' introduction of airport transit visa requirement for nationals of specific third countries have been revised to ensure transparency and proportionality (Article 3).

To distinguish clearly between different categories of visa applicants while taking into account the full roll out of the VIS, definitions of 'VIS registered applicants' and 'VIS registered regular travellers' have been added (Article 2). This distinction is reflected in all steps of the procedure (Articles 5, 10, 12, 13, 18 and 21). An overview of the various procedural facilitations is set out below:

|| Lodging in person || Collection of fingerprints || Supporting documents || Visa to be issued

First time applicant – not VIS registered || YES || YES || Full list corresponding to all entry conditions || Single entry corresponding to travel purpose. However, a MEV may be issued, if the consulate considers the applicant reliable.

VIS registered applicant (but not a regular traveller) || NO || NO, unless the fingerprints have not been collected within the last 59 months || Full list corresponding to all entry conditions || Single entry or MEV

VIS registered regular traveller || NO || NO || Only proof of travel purpose Presumption (because of 'visa history' of fulfilment of entry conditions regarding migratory and security risk and sufficient means of subsistence. || First application: three year MEV Following applications: five-year MEV

The provisions regarding "competent Member State" (Article 5) have been simplified to make it easier for applicants to know where to lodge the application and to ensure that they can, in principle, always lodge the application in their country of residence. This implies that in case the competent Member State is neither present nor represented in a given location, the applicant is entitled to apply at one of the consulates present according to criteria set out in the article.

The provisions provide certain procedural facilitations for close relatives of Union citizens so as to contribute to improving their mobility, in particular by facilitating family visits (Articles 8, 13, 14 and 20).

First, the provisions provide for facilitations for family members intending to visit Union citizens residing in the territory of the Member State of which they are nationals and for family members of Union citizens living in a third country and wishing to visit together the Member State of which the EU citizens are nationals. Both categories of situations are outside the scope of Directive 2004/38/EC. The Visa Facilitation Agreements concluded and implemented by the EU with a number of third countries demonstrate the importance of facilitating such visits: the amended Visa Facilitation Agreements with Ukraine and Moldova, as well as the recent Visa Facilitation Agreements with Armenia and Azerbaijan, provide facilitations (e.g. visa fee waiver and the issuing of multiple entry visas (MEVs) with a long validity) for the citizens of the third country concerned visiting close relatives who have the nationality of the Member State of residence. This practice of the Union should be made general in the Visa Code.

Secondly, according to the provisions the same facilitations are granted as a minimum in situations covered by Directive 2004/38/EC. As provided in Article 5(2) of the Directive, Member States may, where the EU citizen exercises the right to move and reside freely in their territory, require the family member who is a non-EU national to have an entry visa. As confirmed by the Court of Justice[5], such family members have not only the right to enter the territory of the Member State but also the right to obtain an entry visa for that purpose. According to Article 5(2), second subparagraph of the Directive, Member States must grant such persons every facility[6] to obtain the necessary visas, which must be issued free of charge as soon as possible and on the basis of an accelerated procedure.

It should be noted that Article 5(2) cited above essentially contains the same provision as Article 3(2) of Directive 68/360/EEC[7] which was repealed by Directive 2004/38/EC. Article 3(2) of Directive 68/360/EEC was adopted at a time when the then Community had no competence to legislate on visas. Since the entry into force of the Amsterdam Treaty on 1 May 1999, the Community has had a competence to legislate on visas. This competence, currently enshrined in Article 77 of the TFEU, was used for the adoption of the Visa Code. It is desirable to render more precise the facilitations which Directive 2004/38/EC refers to, and the appropriate place to do so is the Visa Code, where detailed rules on conditions and procedures for the issuing of visas are established. While respecting the freedom of Member States to grant further facilitations, the facilitations proposed for certain close relatives of Union citizens who have not made use of their right to move and reside freely within the Union should apply, as a minimum, in situations which fall within the scope of Directive 2004/38/EC. Those facilitations are then a common implementation in the Visa Code and for the Member States bound by it, of the obligation contained in Article 5(2), second subparagraph of Directive 2004/38/EC.

The provisions on visa fee waivers have become mandatory rather than optional to ensure equal treatment of applicants (Article 14). Certain categories eligible to visa fee waivers have been enlarged, e.g. minors up to 18 years, or added (close relatives of Union citizens not exercising their right to free movement).

General procedural facilitations:

– The principle of all applicants having to lodge the application in person has been abolished (cf. Commission staff working paper, point 2.1.1.1 (paragraph (7)).Generally, applicants will only be required to appear in person at the consulate or the external service provider for the collection of fingerprints to be stored in the Visa Information System (Article 9).

– The maximum deadline for lodging an application has been increased to allow travellers to plan ahead and avoid peak seasons; likewise a minimum deadline for lodging an application has been set to allow Member States time to proper assessment of applications and organisation of work (Article 8).

– The general visa application form (Annex I) has been simplified and a reference has been made to the use of electronic filling in of the application form (Article 10).

– The list of supporting documents in Annex II is no longer a "non-exhaustive list" and a distinction has been made between unknown applicants and VIS registered regular travellers as regards the supporting documents to be submitted (Article 13). The provisions regarding the preparatory work on drawing up lists adapted to local circumstances in local Schengen cooperation have been reinforced in Article 13.

– The unknown visa applicant (i.e. someone who has not applied for a visa before) should prove that he fulfils the visa issuing conditions.

– In this context, attention is drawn to the recent 'Koushkaki judgement'[8] according to which Articles 23(4), 32(1) and 35(6) (Articles 20(4), 29(1) and 32(5) of the recast Visa Code) "must be interpreted as meaning that the competent authorities of a Member State cannot refuse, following the examination of an application for a uniform visa, to issue such a visa to an applicant unless one of the grounds for refusal of a visa listed in those provisions can be applied to that applicant. Those authorities have a wide discretion in the examination of that application so far as concerns the conditions for the application of those provisions and the assessment of the relevant facts, with a view to ascertaining whether one of those grounds for refusal can be applied to the applicant."

– The European Court of Justice also ruled that the provisions of Article 32(1) (now Article 29(1)) of the Visa Code, read in conjunction with Article 21(1) (now Article 18(1)), "must be interpreted as meaning that the obligation on the competent authorities of a Member State to issue a uniform visa is subject to the condition that there is no reasonable doubt that the applicant intends to leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the visa applied for, in the light of the general situation in the applicant's country of residence and his individual characteristics, determined in the light of information provided by the applicant."

– It should be presumed that 'VIS registered regular travellers' fulfil the entry conditions regarding the risk of irregular immigration and need to possess sufficient means of subsistence. However, this presumption should be reversible in individual cases.

– The proposal establishes that the authorities of the Member States can rebut the presumption of fulfilment of entry conditions in an individual case and it establishes on which basis this can occur (Article 18(9)).

– General reduction of the deadlines for taking a decision on a visa application (Article 20) in the light of the shortening of the response time in the prior consultation procedure (Article 19). Short deadlines are introduced for the examination of applications from family members of Union citizens exercising their right to free movement and from close relatives of Union citizens not exercising their right to free movement.

– A MEV may be issued with a validity going beyond the validity of the travel document (Article 11(a)).

– The provisions on travel medical insurance (TMI) should be deleted because the actual added value of the TMI measure has never been established (cf. Commission staff working paper, point 2.1.1.2 (14)).

– The standard form for notifying and motivating refusal, annulment or revocation of a visa has been be revised to include a specific ground for refusal of an airport transit visa and to ensure that the person concerned is properly informed about appeal procedures.

– Provisions derogating from the general provisions on the exceptional issuing of visas at the external border have been introduced: Member States will in view of promoting short term tourism be allowed to issue visas at the external borders under a temporary scheme and upon notification and publication of the organisational modalities of the scheme (Article 33).

– Flexible rules allowing Member States to optimise use of resources, increase consular coverage and develop cooperation among Member States have been added (Article 38).

– Member States' use of external service provider is no longer to be the last resort solution.

– Member States are not obliged to maintain the possibility of "direct access" for lodging applications at the consulate in places where an external service provider has been mandated to collect visa applications (deletion of previous Article 17(5)). However, family members of Union citizens exercising their right to free movement and close relatives of Union citizens not exercising their right to free movement as well as applicants who can justify a case of emergency should be given an immediate appointment.

– Member States should annually report to the Commission on the cooperation with external service providers, including the monitoring of the service providers.

– Streamlining of the provisions regarding representation arrangements (Article 39) (cf. Commission staff working paper, points 2.1.1.5 (paragraph (20)) and 2.1.4 (paragraph 41)).

– As explained in the evaluation report (point 3.2) the lack of sufficiently detailed statistical data hinders the assessment of the implementation of certain provisions. Therefore, Annex VII is amended to provide for the collection of all relevant data in a sufficiently disaggregated form allow for proper assessment. All data concerned can be retrieved (by Member States) from the VIS, except for information on the number of visas issued free of charge, but given that that is linked to the general treasury of the Member State, such data should be easily accessible.

– Strengthening of the legal framework regarding information to the public (Article 45):

- A common Schengen visa internet website is to be created by the Commission

- A template for the information to be given to visa applicants is to be developed by the Commission

Technical amendments:

– Deletion of the reference to the specific travel purpose "transit" (Article 1(1) mainly) given that short stay visas are not purpose bound. The reference has only been maintained where it referred to as a specific travel purpose, e.g. in Annex II to the Visa Code, listing the supporting documents to be submitted according to purpose of travel

– Establishing harmonised rules on the handling of situations of loss of identity document and valid visa (Article 7).

– Precise deadlines for Member States' various notifications (15 days): on representation arrangements, introduction of prior consultation and ex-post information.

– In accordance with Article 290 of the TFEU, the power to amend non-essential elements of Regulation is delegated to the Commission in respect of the list of third countries whose nationals are required to hold an airport transit visa when passing through the international transit areas of airports situated on the territory of the Member States (Annex III) and the list of residence permits entitling the holder to transit through the airports of Member States without being required to hold an airport transit visa (Annex IV).

– In accordance with Article 291 of the TFEU, the Commission should be empowered to adopt implementing acts establishing the list of supporting documents to be to be used in each location to take account of local circumstances, details for filling in and affixing of the visa stickers and the rules for issuing visas to seafarers at the external borders. Therefore, the previous annexes VII, VIII and IX should be deleted.

Legal basis

Article 77(2)(a) of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union.

This proposal recasts Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code) which was based on the equivalent provisions of the Treaty establishing the European Community, i.e. Article 62(2)(a) and (b)(ii).

Subsidiarity principle

Article 77(2)(a) of the TFEU empowers the Union to develop measures concerning 'the common policy on visas and other short stay residence permits'.

The current proposal is within the limits set by this provision. The objective of this proposal is to further develop and improve the measures of the Visa Code concerning the conditions and procedures for issuing visas for intended stays in the territory of Member States not exceeding 90 days in any 180 days period. It cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States acting alone, because an amendment to an existing Union Act (the Visa Code) can only be achieved by the Union.

Proportionality principle

Article 5(4) of the TEU states that the content and form of Union action must not exceed what is necessary to achieve the objectives of the Treaties. The form chosen for this action must enable the proposal to achieve its objective and be implemented as effectively as possible.

The establishment of the Visa Code in 2009 took the form of a Regulation in order to ensure that it would be applied in the same way in all the Member States that apply the Schengen acquis. The proposed initiative constitutes an amendment to an existing regulation and must therefore take the form of a regulation. As to the content, this initiative is limited to improvements of the existing regulation and based on the policy objectives to which one new objective was added: economic growth. The proposal therefore complies with the proportionality principle.

Choice of instrument

This proposal recasts Regulation No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code). Therefore only a Regulation can be chosen as a legal instrument.

4. BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS

The proposed amendment has no implications for the EU budget.

5. ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS

Consequences of the various protocols annexed to the Treaties and of the association agreements concluded with third countries

The legal basis for this proposal is to be found in Title V of Part Three of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, with the result that the system of ‘variable geometry’, provided for in the protocols on the position of the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark and the Schengen protocol applies. The proposal builds on the Schengen acquis. The consequences for the various protocols therefore have to be considered with regard to Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom; Iceland and Norway; and Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Likewise, the consequences for the various Acts of Accessions must be considered. The detailed situation of each of these states concerned is described in recitals 49-57 of this proposal. The system of 'variable geometry' of this proposal is identical to the one that applies to the original Visa Code, with the addition of a reference to the 2011 Act of Accession regarding Croatia.

Link with the simultaneous proposal for a Regulation establishing a touring visa[9]

Possible amendments to this proposal during the legislative process will have an impact on the proposal for a Regulation establishing a touring visa, so particular attention should be paid to ensuring the necessary synergies between these two proposals during the negotiation process. If in the course of these negotiations an adoption within a similar timeframe appears within reach, the Commission intends to merge the two proposals into one single recast proposal. In case the legislators reach agreement on the present proposal before there is prospect of imminent agreement on the proposal for a Regulation establishing the touring visa, the provisions in this proposal relating to the envisaged touring visa (Articles 3(7), 12(3), 18(6)) should not be maintained for adoption but be inserted later by an amendment to the Visa Code when agreement on the touring visa proposal has eventually been reached.

Succinct overview of the proposed amendments

Article 1 – Amendments to the Visa Code

Article 1 – Subject matter and scope

– Horizontal change: throughout the text the reference to "transit" as a travel purpose has been deleted.

Article 2 - Definitions

– Paragraph 6 is added to refer to the definition of 'touring visa' in the relevant Regulation.

– Paragraph 7 is added to provide a definition of 'close relatives' (of citizens of the Union).

– Paragraph 8 is added to provide a definition of 'VIS registered applicant' to ensure that full benefit is drawn of the Visa Information System.

– Paragraph 9 is added to provide a definition of 'VIS registered regular traveller' to ensure that full benefit is drawn of the Visa Information System and account is taken of the applicant's 'visa history'.

– Paragraph 12 is added to provide a definition of 'valid' in the sense of not expired as opposed to false, counterfeit or forged.

– Paragraph 16: a definition of 'seafarer' is added to ensure that all staff working on ships benefit from the various procedural facilitations.

Article 3 – Third country nationals required to hold an airport transit visa

– Paragraph 4: the provisions on the introduction by individual Member States of an airport transit visa requirement for nationals of specific third countries have been revised to be covered by the appropriate institutional legal framework.

Article 5 – Member State competent for examining and deciding on an application

– Paragraph 1 (b) is amended to maintain only one objective criterion, i.e. length of stay, for determining the Member State competent for examining an application when the envisaged trip covers more than one destination. Additionally, provisions have been added to cover situations where the traveller is to carry out several trips to different Member States within a short timeframe, i.e. two months.

– Paragraph 2 is amended to overcome situations where the "competent" Member State is neither present nor represented in the third country where the applicant legally resides. The provisions cover all possible situations and offer solutions expressing the spirit of cooperation and confidence on which the Schengen cooperation is based.

Article 7 - Competence to issue visas to third-country nationals legally present within the territory of a Member State

– Paragraph 1 is amended as a consequence of the amendment of Article 5.

– Paragraphs 2 and 3 are inserted to create a harmonised legal framework for situations where a third country national loses his/her travel document, or this document is stolen, while staying in the territory of the Member States.

Article 8 – Practical modalities for lodging an application

– Paragraph 1 establishes general maximum and minimum deadlines for lodging an application.

– Paragraph 3 is added to provide facilitation in certain situations involving relatives of Union citizens where an immediate appointment should be given.

– Paragraph 4 is amended to become mandatory ('shall') rather than optional ('may'), meaning that urgency cases shall always be treated immediately.

– Paragraph 5 is amended to clarify the rules on who may lodge the application on behalf of the applicant and a reference has been made to professional, cultural,sports or education association or institution as distinct from commercial intermediaries.

– Paragraph 6 has been moved from the previous Article 40(4) and amended to cover only the provision on applicants having only to appear in person at one location to lodge an application.

Article 9 - General rules for lodging an application

– Paragraph 1 has been replaced by a new text to take account of the abolition of the general principle of all applicants having to lodge the application in person (cf. Commission staff working paper, point 2.1.1.1 (paragraph (7)).

– Paragraph 2 is amended as a consequence of the amendment of paragraph 1.

Article 10 – Application form

– Paragraph 1 is amended to add a reference to the possibility of filling in the application form electronically.

– Paragraph 2 is inserted to ensure that the electronic version of the application form corresponds precisely to the application form set out in Annex I

– Paragraph 4 has been simplified to ensure that the application form is always, as a minimum, available in the official language of the Member State, for which the visa is requested, and the host state.

Article 11 – Travel document

– Point (a) is amended with a cross reference to the new provision in Article 21 (2), see below.

– Point (b) is amended to ensure that one blank double page be available in the applicant's travel document so that the visa sticker and subsequent entry-exit stamps are placed next to each other. This will facilitate border checks; cf. Commission staff working paper, point 2.1.1.2 (paragraph (11)).

Article 12 – Biometric identifiers

– Paragraphs 2 and 4 are amended as a consequence of the amendment of Article 9 (1)).

– Paragraph 3 is amended to take account of the proposal on the 'touring visa'.

Article 13 – Supporting documents

– Paragraph 2 is inserted to take account of the procedural facilitations to be granted to VIS registered regular travellers, meaning that this category of applicants only have to present proof of travel purpose.

– Paragraph 3 is inserted to grant or clarify facilitations for relatives of Union citizens in certain situations.

– Paragraph 4 is amended to establish that the harmonised list of supporting documents in Annex II is exhaustive.

– Paragraph 6 is inserted to ensure that applicants can submit facsimile or copies of original supporting documents. Applicants should subsequently submit the original documents, except for specific cases where the original document can only be requested in the case of doubt about the authenticity of the documents.

– In paragraph 7(a), a reference to 'private' accommodation has been added.

– Paragraph 10 has been added to take account of the provisions on implementing measures.

Article 14 – Visa fee

– Point (a) of paragraph 3 enlarges the visa fee waiver to cover minors up to the age of 18 years (previously the age of six), thus doing away with the visa fee reduction for 6-12 year olds and the optional fee waiver for the same age group.

– Point (c) of paragraph 3 is amended to make a clear reference to the category of persons to be covered.

– Point (d) of paragraph 3 renders the fee waiver for holders of diplomatic and service passports mandatory

– Point (e) of paragraph 3 renders the fee waiver for participants aged 25 years or less in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events, organised by non-profit organisations mandatory, thus doing away with optional fee waiver for this group and the mandatory fee waiver for representatives aged 25 years or less in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events, organised by non-profit organisations.

– Points (f) and (g) are inserted to grant or clarify visa fee waivers in certain situations involving relatives of Union citizens.

See also Commission staff working document, point 2.1.1.3 (paragraph (15)).

Article 15 – Service fee

– In paragraph 1, the reference to an "additional" service fee has been deleted

– Paragraph 3 is amended as a consequence of the amendment of Article 14.

Article 18 – Verification of entry conditions and risk assessment

– Paragraph 2 is inserted to take account of the insertion of Article 2(9) and the insertion of Article 13(1)(e).

– Paragraph 3 is inserted to clarify that the competent authorities of the Member State are responsible for justifying the reversion of the presumption of fulfilment of entry conditions in individual cases and on which grounds such a reversion can be based.

– Paragraph 6 is amended to take account of the proposal on a touring visa and the reference to "issued by another Member State" is deleted which was misleading.

– Paragraph 10 is amended and to allow for Member States to use modern means of communication to carry out an interview with the applicant, rather than requiring him to come to the consulate in person.

Article 19 – Prior consultation

– Paragraph 2 is amended to provide that Member States reply to the consultation requests within five calendar days rather than seven.

– Paragraph 3 provides that Member States notify requests for prior consultation at the latest 15 calendar days before the introduction of the measure to allow for timely information of applicants and for other Member States to prepare at technical level.

– Paragraph 5 is deleted because it has become obsolete

Article 20 – Decision on the application

– Paragraph 1 provides that the decision making time be reduced to maximum 10 calendar days. This is both a consequence of the amendment of Article 19 (2) and of the findings in the evaluation of the implementation of the Visa Code, cf. Commission staff working document, point 2.1.1.6 (paragraph (22)).

– Paragraph 2 is amended to shorten the maximum period for the decision making time to 20 days and the last sentence is deleted as a consequence of the abolition of the provision allowing a represented Member State to require to be consulted on cases handled in representation.

– Paragraph 3 is inserted to grant and clarify the facilitations to be given in certain situations to close relatives of Union citizens.

– The previous paragraph 3 is deleted because an examination of an application for a short stay visa should not be allowed to take 60 calendar days.

– Paragraph 4, point (d) is deleted as a consequence of the abolition of the provision allowing a represented Member State to be consulted; this abolishes the requirement that certain cases be transmitted for handling by that represented Member State rather than the representing Member State.

Article 21 – Issuing of a uniform visa

– Paragraph 2 replaces the previous Article 24 (1) 4th and 5th subparagraphs.

– Paragraph 2, first paragraph, is amended to remove the reference to "two-entry" visas which seems superfluous and reference is made to the possibility of issuing a multiple entry visa going beyond the validity of the travel document.

– Paragraphs 3 and 4 are added to take account of the amendment of Article 2(10) and to introduce objectively defined criteria for granting specific facilitations.

– Paragraph 5 is amended to cover other cases of visa applicants eligible for the issuing of a multiple entry visa.

Article 24 – Filling in of the visa sticker

– Paragraph 2 is inserted to take account of Article 51(2).

– Paragraph 3 is amended to strengthen the provisions on the national comments on the visa sticker, cf. Commission staff working document, point 2.1.1.6 (paragraph (27)).

– Paragraph 5 is amended to ensure that only single entry visas may be issued manually.

Article 25 – Invalidation of a completed visa sticker

– Paragraph 2 is amended to take into account the need to create a proper legal basis for a best practice recommended in the Visa Code Handbook.

Article 26 – Affixing a visa sticker

– Paragraph 2 is inserted to take account of the provisions in Article 51(2).

Article 28 – Informing central authorities of other Member States

– Paragraph 2 is amended to ensure timely information of other Member States, cf. comments made regarding Article 19.

Article 29 – Refusal of a visa

– Point 1 (a) (vii) is deleted as a consequence of the abolition of the requirements on travel medical insurance.

– Paragraph 3 is replaced to add a reference to the need for Member States to provide detailed information on appeal procedures.

– Paragraph 4 is deleted as a consequence of deleting of the provision requiring that certain cases be transmitted for handling by that represented Member State rather than the representing Member State.

Article 31 – Annulment and revocation

– Paragraph 4 is amended to take account of the amendment of Article 13.

Article 32 – Visas exceptionally applied for at the external border

– The title is amended as a consequence of the insertion of Article 33.

– Paragraph 2 is deleted as a consequence of the abolition of the requirements on travel medical insurance.

Article 33 – Visas applied for at the external border under a temporary scheme

– These provisions have been inserted to allow Member States to promote short term tourism, they should be authorised to issue visas at the external border not only on a case-by-case basis depending on the third-country nationals' individual situation, but also on the basis of a temporary scheme. The Article sets out rules on notification and publication of the organisational modalities of a temporary scheme and establishes that the validity the visa issued should be limited to the territory of the issuing Member State.

– Paragraph 6 specifies the requirements on reporting by the Member State concerned.

Article 34 – Visas issued to seafarers at the external borders

– Paragraph 3 is inserted to take account of the provisions in Article 51(2).

Article 38 – Consular organisation and cooperation

– In paragraph 1 the second sentence has become obsolete.

– Point (b) of paragraph 2 is reworded as a consequence of the repeal of the previous Article 41 and of the abolition of the ranking of outsourcing as 'last resort'.

– Paragraph 4 is replaced by the insertion of Article 8 (6).

Article 39 – Representation arrangements

– Paragraph 1 corresponds to the previous Article 8(1).

– Paragraph 2 describes the collection and transmission of files and data among Member States in situations where a Member State represents another solely for the collection of applications and biometric identifiers.

– Paragraph 3 is amended to take account of the deletion of the possibility of a represented Member State to require being involved in cases handled under representation.

– Paragraphs 4 and 5 correspond to the previous Article 8(5) and (6), respectively.

– Paragraph 6 sets a minimum deadline for the represented Member States to notify to the Commission the conclusion or termination of representation arrangements.

– Paragraph 7 provides that the representing Member States shall at the same time notify to other Member States and the European Union Delegation in the jurisdiction concerned the conclusion or termination of representation arrangements.

– Paragraph 8 corresponds to the previous Article 8(9).

Article 40 – Recourse to honorary consuls

– In paragraph 1 "also" is deleted.

Article 41 – Cooperation with external service providers

– The previous paragraph 3 is deleted because such harmonisation is not possible in reality as Member States generally draw up global contracts with external service providers.

– Point (e) of paragraph 5 is amended as a consequence of the amendment of Article 9.

– Paragraph 12 is amended to require Member States to report annually on their cooperation and monitoring of external service providers, as provided for in Annex IX.

Article 42 – Encryption and secure transfer of data

– Paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 are amended to take account of the repeal of the previous Article 8.

Article 43 - Member States' cooperation with commercial intermediaries

– Paragraph 1 is amended as a consequence of the deletion of the previous Article 2(11), i.e. the definition of commercial intermediary.

– Paragraph 5, second sub-paragraph, is amended to ensure information to the public about the accredited commercial intermediaries.

Article 45 – Information to be provided to the public

– Point (c) of paragraph 1 is amended to take account of the repeal of the previous Article 41.

– The previous point (e) of paragraph 1 is deleted to take account of the repeal of the previous Article 20.

– Paragraph 3 is inserted to provide that the Commission establishes a harmonised template for the information to be provided under Article 45(1).

– Paragraph 4 is inserted to provide that the Commission establishes a Schengen internet website containing all relevant information relating to the application for a visa.

Article 46 – Local Schengen cooperation

– In paragraph 1, first sentence, and point (a) are amended to provide that within local Schengen cooperation (LSC), harmonised lists of supporting documents are prepared.

– In paragraph 1, point (b) and the last subparagraph are amended as a consequence of the amended Article 14.

– Paragraph 2 is amended as a consequence of the insertion of Article 45(3).

– Point (a) of paragraph 3 is amended to provide for quarterly compilations of statistics on visas at local level and a reference to the touring visa has been added.

– Point (b) of paragraph 3 is amended as a consequence of the reformulation of the first sentence.

– Paragraph 7 is amended to provide that on the basis of the annual reports drawn up in the various LSC, the Commission draws up one annual report to be transmitted to the European Parliament and the Council.

Articles 48 –49 Exercise of delegation

– These Articles are inserted to take account of the provisions of Article 290 of TFEU on delegated acts.

Article 50 – Instructions on the practical application of the Visa Code

– The Article is amended to take account of the provisions set out in Article 51(2).

Article 51 – Committee procedure

– This Article is amended to take account of the provisions governing the exercise of the Commission's implementing powers in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

Article 52 – Notification

– Point (g) of paragraph 1 is amended as a consequence of the amendment of Article 38.

– Paragraph 2 is amended as a consequence of the insertion of Article 45(4).

Article 54 – Monitoring and evaluation

– These are the standard provisions regarding monitoring and evaluation of legal instruments.

Article 55 – Entry into force

– This is the standard clause on entry into force and direct applicability. The application of the Regulation is deferred for six months following entry into force except for Article 51(2), which shall apply three months following the entry into force to allow for the adoption of implementing acts regarding as provided for in Articles 24, 26, 32 and 50.

Annexes

– Annex I is replaced

– Annex V:

- the previous point 7, regarding travel medical insurance is deleted;

- a new point 10 is added to cover cases where an application for an ATV is refused.

ê 810/2009 (adapted)

2014/0094 (COD)

Proposal for a

REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

establishing a Community Ö on the Union Õ Code on Visas (Visa Code)

(recast)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION ,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community Ö on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) Õ , and in particular Article 62 Ö 77 Õ (2)(a) and (b)(ii) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national Parliaments,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee[10],

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure,

Whereas:

ò new

(1) Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council[11] has been substantially amended several times. Since further amendments are to be made, that Regulation should be recast in the interests of clarity.

ê 810/2009 recital 1 (adapted)

In accordance with Article 61 of the Treaty, the creation of an area in which persons may move freely should be accompanied by measures with respect to external border controls, asylum and immigration.

ê 810/2009 recital 2 (adapted)

Pursuant to Article 62(2) of the Treaty, measures on the crossing of the external borders of the Member States shall establish rules on visas for intended stays of no more than three months, including the procedures and conditions for issuing visas by Member States.

ò new

(2) Union policy in the field of visas allowing for stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days is a fundamental component of the creation of a common area without internal borders. The common rules on the conditions and procedures for issuing visas should be governed by the principle of solidarity and mutual confidence between Member States.

ê 810/2009 recital 3 (adapted)

(3) As regards visa policy, the establishment of a ‘common corpus’ of legislation, particularly via the consolidation and development of the acquis (the relevant provisions of the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985[12] and the Common Consular Instructions[13], is one of the fundamental components of Ö Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 aims, inter alia, to Õ ‘further development of the common visa policy as part of a multi-layer system aimed at facilitating Ö in order to facilitate Õ legitimate travel and tackling illegal Ö tackle irregular Õ immigration through further harmonisation of national legislation and handling practices at local consular missions’, as defined in the Hague Programme: strengthening freedom, security and justice in the European Union[14].

ê 810/2009 recital 8 (adapted)

(4) Provided that Ö It should also ensure that under Õ certain conditions are fulfilled, multiple-entry visas should be Ö are Õ issued in order to lessen the administrative burden of Member States’ consulates and to facilitate smooth travel for frequent or regular travellers. Applicants known to the consulate for their integrity and reliability should as far as possible benefit from a simplified procedure.

ò new

(5) Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 clarified and simplified the legal framework and greatly modernised and standardised visa procedures. However, specific provisions that were intended to facilitate procedures in individual cases on the basis of subjective criteria are not sufficiently applied.

(6) A smart visa policy should entail continued security at the external borders whilst ensuring the effective functioning of the Schengen area and facilitating travel opportunities for legitimate travel. The common visa policy should contribute to generating growth and be coherent with other Union policies, such as external relations, trade, education, culture and tourism.

(7) To ease mobility and to facilitate family visits for third-country nationals who are visiting close relatives who are Union citizens residing in the territory of the Member State of which they are nationals and for close relatives of Union citizens residing in a third country and wishing to visit together the Member State of which the Union citizen has the nationality, certain procedural facilitations should be provided by this Regulation.

(8) The same facilitations should as a minimum be granted to family members in situations covered by Directive 2004/38/[15] in accordance with Article 5(2) of that Directive.

(9) A distinction should be made between new first time applicants and persons who have been previously granted visas and who are registered in the Visa Information System (VIS), in order to simplify the procedure for registered travellers while addressing the risk of irregular immigration and the security concern posed by some travellers. This distinction should be reflected in all steps of the procedure.

(10) It should be presumed that applicants who are registered in VIS and have obtained and lawfully used two visas within the 12 months prior to the application fulfil the entry conditions regarding the risk of irregular immigration and the need to possess sufficient means of subsistence. However, this presumption should be rebuttable where the competent authorities establish that one or more of these conditions are not fulfilled in individual cases.

(11) The assessment of whether an issued visa has been used lawfully should be based on elements, such as respect of the period of authorised stay, of the territorial validity of the visa, and of the rules on access to the labour market and the exercise of an economic activity.

ê 810/2009 recital 5 (adapted)

ð new

(12) It is necessary to set out rules on the transit through international areas of airports in order to combat illegal Ö irregular Õ immigration. Ö To this end Õ Thus nationals from a common list of third countries ð the nationals of which ï should be required to hold airport transit visas ðshould be established ï . Nevertheless, in urgent cases of mass ð when a Member State experiences a sudden and substantial ï influx of illegal Ö irregular Õ immigrants, Member States Ö it Õ should be allowed to impose such a Ö be able to introduce temporarily the airport transit visa Õ requirement on Ö for Õ nationals of Ö a given Õ third countries Ö country Õ other than those listed in the common list. Member States’ individual decisions should be reviewed on an annual basis. ð The conditions and procedures for doing so should be laid down, in order to ensure that the application of this measure is limited in time and that in accordance with the principle of proportionality, it does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve the objective. The scope of the airport transit visa requirement should be limited to responding to the specific situation that prompted the introduction of the measure. ï

ò new

(13) The airport transit visa requirement should be waived for holders of visas and residence permits issued by certain countries.

(14) It should be clear which is the Member State competent for examining an application for a visa, in particular where the intended visit covers several Member States.

(15) Visa applicants should be able to lodge an application in their country of residence even where the Member State competent under the general rules is neither present nor represented in that country.

(16) Harmonised treatment of visa holders whose travel document is lost or stolen during a stay in the territory of the Member States should be ensured.

ê 810/2009 recital 9

(17) Because of the registration of biometric identifiers in the Visa Information System (VIS) as established by Regulation (EC) No 767/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 July 2008 concerning Visa Information System (VIS) and the exchange of data between Member States on short-stay visas (VIS Regulation)[16], the appearance of the applicant in person — at least for the first application — should be one of the basic requirements for the application for a visa.

ê 810/2009 recital 10

(18) In order to facilitate the visa application procedure of any subsequent application, it should be possible to copy fingerprints from the first entry into the VIS within a period of 59 months. Once this period of time has elapsed, the fingerprints should be collected again.

ê 810/2009 recital 11 (adapted)

(19) Any document, data or biometric identifier received by a Member State in the course of the visa application process shall Ö should Õ be considered a consular document under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 24 April 1963 and shall Ö should Õ be treated in an appropriate manner Ö accordingly Õ.

ê 810/2009 recital 12

(20) Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data[17] applies to the Member States with regard to the processing of personal data pursuant to this Regulation.

ò new

(21) Deadlines for the different steps of the procedure should be established, in particular to allow travellers to plan ahead and avoid peak seasons in consulates.

(22) Member States' consulates should charge the same visa fee for processesing visa applications. The categories of persons for which visa fee waivers are granted should be uniform and clearly defined. Member States should be allowed to waive the visa fee in individual cases.

(23) Applicants should not be required to present travel medical insurance when lodging an application for a short stay visa because it is an disproprtionate burden for visa applicants and there is no evidence that holders of short stay visas present a bigger risk in terms of public medical expenditure in Member States than the visa exempted third country nationals.

(24) Professional, cultural and sports associations, as well as accredited commercial intermediaries should be allowed to lodge applications on behalf of visa applicants.

(25) Provisions regarding inter alia the 'period of grace', the filling in of the visa sticker and the invalidation of completed visa stickers should be clarified.

(26) Multiple entry visas with a long validity should be issued according to objectively determined criteria. The validity of a multiple entry visa could go beyond the validity of the travel document in which it is affixed.

(27) The application form should take account of the roll out of the VIS. Member States should to the extent possible allow for visa application forms to be completed and submitted electronically and should accept facsimile or copies of supporting documents. Original documents should only be required in specific cases.

(28) The standard form for notifying grounds for the refusal, annulment or revocation of a visa should include a specific ground for refusal of an airport transit visa and ensure that the person concerned is properly informed about appeal procedures.

(29) The rules regarding the exchange of information between the competent authorities of the Member States in view of issuing visas to seafarers at the external borders and the form to be filled in to this effect should be as simple and clear as possible.

(30) The issuing of visas at the external border should, in principle, remain exceptional. However, to allow Member States to promote short term tourism, they should be authorised to issue visas at the external border based on a temporary scheme and upon notification and publication of the organisational modalities of the scheme. Such schemes should be temporary in nature and the validity of the visa issued should be limited to the territory of the issuing Member State.

ê 810/2009 recital 6 (adapted)

ð new

(31) The reception aArrangements for Ö the reception of Õ applicants should be made with due respect for human dignity. Processing of visa applications should be conducted in a professional and respectful manner and be proportionate ð should not go beyond what is necessary in order ï to Ö achieve Õ the objectives pursued.

ê 810/2009 recital 7 (adapted)

ð new

(32) Member States should ensure that the quality of the service offered to the public is of a high standard and follows good administrative practices. They should allocate appropriate numbers of trained staff as well as sufficient resources in order to facilitate as much as possible the visa application process. Member States should ensure that a ‘one-stop’ principle is applied to all Ö visa Õ applicants Ö should only appear in one location for the purpose of lodging the application Õ. ð This should be without prejudice to the possibility of carrying out a personal interview with the applicant. ï

ê 810/2009 recital 13 (adapted)

ð new

(33) In order to facilitate the procedure, Ö Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 provides for Õ several forms of cooperation should be envisaged, such as limited representation, co-location, common application centres, recourse to honorary consuls and cooperation with external service providers, taking into account in particular data protection requirements set out in Directive 95/46/EC Ö among Member States aimed at, on the one hand, allowing Member States to pool resources and on the other, at enhancing the consular coverage for the benefit of applicants Õ . Member States should, in accordance with the conditions laid down in this Regulation, determine the type of organisational structure which they will use in each third country. ð Flexible rules should be established to allow Member States to optimise the sharing of resources and to increase consular coverage. Cooperation among Member States ("Schengen Visa Centres"), could take any form adapted to local circumstances aiming at increasing geographical consular coverage, reducing Member States' costs, increasing the visibility of the European Union and improving the service offered to visa applicants. ï

ê 810/2009 recital 4 (adapted)

ð new

(34) Member States should be present or represented for visa purposes in all third countries whose nationals are subject to visa requirements. ð Member States should aim at enlarging the consular coverage. ï Member States lacking their own consulate in a given third country or in a certain part of a given third country should Ö therefore Õ endeavour to conclude representation arrangements in order to avoid a disproportionate effort on the part of visa applicants to have access to consulates.

ò new

(35) Representation arrangements should be streamlined and obstacles for the conclusion of such arrangements among Member States should be avoided and the representing Member State should be responsible for carrying out the entire processing of visa applications without involvement of the represented Member State.

ê 810/2009 recital 14

ð new

(36) It is necessary to make provision for situations in which a Member State decides to cooperate with an external service provider for the collection of applications. Such a decision may be taken if, in particular circumstances or for reasons relating to the local situation, cooperation with other Member States in the form of representation, limited representation, co-location or a Common Application Centre proves not to be appropriate for the Member State concerned. Such arrangements should be established in compliance with the general principles for issuing visas and with the data protection requirements set out in Directive 95/46/EC. In addition, the need to avoid visa shopping should be taken into consideration when establishing and implementing such arrangements.

ê 810/2009 recital 15

Where a Member State has decided to cooperate with an external service provider, it should maintain the possibility for all applicants to lodge applications directly at its diplomatic missions or consular posts.

ê 810/2009 recital 16 (adapted)

ð new

(37) A Member State should cooperate with an external service provider on the basis of a legal instrument which should contain provisions on its Ö the Õ exact responsibilities Ö of the latter Õ , on Ö the Member State's Õ direct and total access to its Ö the Õ premises Ö of the external service provider Õ , information for applicants, confidentiality and on the circumstances, conditions and procedures for suspending or terminating the cooperation. ð Member States should report to the Commission annually on the cooperation with external service providers, including the monitoring of the service providers. ï

ê 810/2009 recital 17

This Regulation, by allowing Member States to cooperate with external service providers for the collection of applications while establishing the ‘one-stop’ principle for the lodging of applications, creates a derogation from the general rule that an applicant must appear in person at a diplomatic mission or consular post. This is without prejudice to the possibility of calling the applicant for a personal interview.

ê 810/2009 recital 19

ð new

(38) Statistical data are an important means of monitoring migratory movements and can serve as an efficient management tool. Therefore, such data should be compiled regularly in a common format. ð Detailed data on visas should be collected in view of compiling comparative statistics to allow for evidence-based evaluation of the implementation of this Regulation. ï

ê 810/2009 recital 23 (adapted)

ð new

(39) Ö The general public should be given all relevant information in relation to the application for a visa and the visibility and uniform image of the common visa policy should be improved. To this end Õ A a common Schengen visa Internet site is to Ö should Õ be established to improve the visibility and a uniform image of the common visa policy ð and a common template for Member States' information to the public should be drawn up ï. Such a site will serve as a means to provide the general public with all relevant information in relation to the application for a visa.

ê 810/2009 recital 18 (adapted)

(40) Local Schengen cooperation is crucial for the harmonised application of the common visa policy and for proper assessment of migratory and/or security risks. Given the differences in local circumstances, the operational application of particular Ö specific Õ legislative provisions should be assessed among Member States’ diplomatic missions and consular posts in individual locations in order to ensure a harmonised application of the legislative provisions to prevent visa shopping and different treatment of visa applicants.

ò new

(41) If there is no harmonised list of supporting documents in a given location, Member States are free to define the exact supporting documents to be submitted by visa applicants in order to prove the fulfilment of the entry conditions required by this Regulation. Where such a harmonised list of supporting documents exists, in order to provide facilitations for visa applicants, Member States should be allowed to provide certain exemptions from that list when major international events are organised in their territory. These events should be large scale and of particular importance due to their tourism and/or cultural impact, such as international or universal exhibitions and sports championships.

ê 810/2009 recital 27 (adapted)

(42) When a Member State hosts the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games, a particular Ö specific Õ scheme facilitating the issuing of visas to members of the Olympic family should apply.

ê 810/2009 recital 20

The measures necessary for the implementation of this Regulation should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission[18].

ê 810/2009 recital 21

In particular, the Commission should be empowered to adopt amendments to the Annexes to this Regulation. Since those measures are of general scope and are designed to amend non-essential elements of this Regulation, inter alia, by supplementing it with new non-essential elements, they must be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny provided for in Article 5a of Decision 1999/468/EC.

ê 810/2009 recital 22

In order to ensure the harmonised application of this Regulation at operational level, instructions should be drawn up on the practice and procedures to be followed by Member States when processing visa applications.

ò new

(43) In order to adapt to changing circumstances the common list of third countries whose nationals are required to be in possession of an airport transit visa when passing through the international transit area of airports situated on the territory of the Member States and the list of residence permits entitling their holder to transit through the airports of Member States without being required to hold an airport transit visa, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty should be delegated to the Commission. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultatoins during its preparatory work, including at expert level.

(44) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, as regards the establishment of operational instructions on the practices and procedures to be followed by Member States when processing visa applications, lists of supporting documents to be applied in each jurisdiction, mandatory entries on the visa sticker, rules on affixing the visa sticker, and rules for issuing visas at the border to seafarers , implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council[19].The examination procedure should be used for the adoption of such implementing acts.

ê 810/2009 recital 26 (adapted)

(45) Bilateral agreements concluded between the Community Ö Union Õ and third countries aiming at facilitating the processing of applications for visas may derogate from the provisions of this Regulation.

ê 810/2009 recital 30

(46) The conditions governing entry into the territory of the Member States or the issue of visas do not affect the rules currently governing recognition of the validity of travel documents.

ê 810/2009 recital 28 (adapted)

ð new

(47) Since the objective of this Regulation, namely the establishment of the procedures and ð common ï conditions Ö and procedures Õ for issuing visas for transit through or intended stays in the territory of the Member States not exceeding three months Ö 90 days Õ in any six-month Ö 180 days Õ period, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore ð only ï be better achieved at Community Ö Union Õ level, the Community Ö Union Õ may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty Ö on the European Union (TEU) Õ. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective Ö this objective Õ .

ê 810/2009 recital 29 (adapted)

ð new

(48) This Regulation respects fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the Council of Europe’s Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. ð In particular this Regulation seeks to ensure full respect for private and family life referred to in Article 7, protection of personal data referred to in Article 8 and the rights of the child referred to in Article 24 of the Charter of Fundamental Righs of the European Unionï .

ê 810/2009 recital 31 (adapted)

ð new

(49) In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Protocol Ö No 22 Õ on the Position of Denmark annexed to the Treaty on European Union Ö TEU Õ and to the Treaty establishing the European Community Ö on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) Õ, Denmark does Ö is Õ not take Ö taking Õ part in the adoption of this Regulation and is not bound by it, or subject to its application. Given that this Regulation builds on Ö upon Õ the Schengen acquis under the provisions of Title IV of Part Three of the Treaty establishing the European Community, Denmark shall, in accordance with Article 4 of that Protocol, decide within a period of six months after the date of adoption of ð Council has decided on ï this Regulation whether it will implement it in its national law.

ê 810/2009 recital 32 (adapted)

(50) As regards Iceland and Norway, this Regulation constitutes a development of provisions of the Schengen acquis within the meaning of the Agreement concluded between the Council of the European Union and the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway concerning the Ö latters' Õ association of those two States with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis[20] which fall within the area referred to in Article 1, point B of Council Decision 1999/437/EC[21] on certain arrangements for the application of that Agreement.

ê 810/2009 recital 33 (adapted)

An arrangement should be made to allow representatives of Iceland and Norway to be associated with the work of committees assisting the Commission in the exercise of its implementing powers under this Regulation. Such an arrangement has been contemplated in the Exchange of Letters between the Council of the European Union and Iceland and Norway concerning committees which assist the European Commission in the exercise of its executive powers[22], annexed to the abovementioned Agreement. The Commission has submitted to the Council a draft recommendation with a view to negotiating this arrangement.

ê 810/2009 recital 34

(51) As regards Switzerland, this Regulation constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis within the meaning of the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis[23], which fall within the area referred to in Article 1, point B, of Decision 1999/437/EC read in conjunction with Article 3 of Council Decision 2008/146/EC[24] on the conclusion of that Agreement.

ê 810/2009 recital 35 (adapted)

ð new

(52) As regards Liechtenstein, this Regulation constitutes a development of Ö the Õ provisions of the Schengen acquis within the meaning of the Protocol signed between the European Union, the European Community, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on the accession of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the Agreement concluded between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis, which fall within the area referred to in Article 1, point B, of Decision 1999/437/EC read in conjunction with Article 3 of Council Decision 2008/261/EC 2011/350/EU[25] on the signing ð conclusion ï of that Protocol.

ê 154/2012 recital 11

(53) As regards Cyprus, this Regulation constitutes an act building upon or otherwise related to the Schengen acquis, within the meaning of Article 3(12) of the 2003 Act of Accession.

ê 154/2012 recital 12

(54) As regards Bulgaria and Romania, this Regulation constitutes an act building upon or otherwise related to the Schengen acquis within the meaning of Article 4(12) of the 2005 Act of Accession.

ò new

(55) As regards Croatia, this Regulation constitutes an act building upon, or otherwise related to, the Schengen acquis within the meaning of Article 4(2) of the 2011 Act of Accession.

ê 810/2009 recital 36

(56) This Regulation constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which the United Kingdom does not take part, in accordance with Council Decision 2000/365/EC of 29 May 2000 concerning the request of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to take part in some of the provisions of the Schengen acquis[26]. The United Kingdom is therefore not taking part in its adoption and is not bound by it or subject to its application.

ê 810/2009 recital 37 (adapted)

(57) This Regulation constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which Ireland does not take part, in accordance with Council Decision 2002/192/EC of 28 February 2002 concerning Ireland’s request to take part in some of the provisions of the Schengen acquis [27]. Ireland is therefore not taking part in the adoption of the Regulation and is not bound by it or subject to its application,

ê 810/2009 recital 38 (adapted)

This Regulation, with the exception of Article 3, constitutes provisions building on the Schengen acquis or otherwise relating to it within the meaning of Article 3(2) of the 2003 Act of Accession and within the meaning of Article 4(2) of the 2005 Act of Accession,

ê 810/2009 (adapted)

HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

TITLE I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1

Objective Ö Subject matter Õ and scope

ê 610/2013 Art. 6.1 (adapted)

1. This Regulation establishes the procedures and conditions Öconditions and procedures Õ for issuing visas for transit through or intended stays on the territory of the Member States not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day Ö days Õ period.

ê 810/2009 (adapted)

2. The provisions of this Regulation shall apply to any third-country national who must be in possession of a visa when crossing the external borders of the Member States pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 of 15 March 2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement[28], without prejudice to:

(a) the rights of free movement enjoyed by third-country nationals who are family members of citizens of the Union;

(b) the equivalent rights enjoyed by third-country nationals and their family members, who, under agreements between the Union and its Member States, on the one hand, and these third countries, on the other, enjoy rights of free movement equivalent to those of Union citizens and members of their families.

3. This Regulation also lists the third countries whose nationals are required to hold an airport transit visa by way of exception from the principle of free transit laid down in Annex 9 to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, and establishes the procedures and conditions Öconditions and procedures Õ for issuing visas for the purpose of transit through the international transit areas of Member States’ airports.

Article 2

Definitions

For the purpose of this Regulation the following definitions shall apply:

1.‘third-country national’ means any person who is not a citizen of the Union within the meaning of Article 17 Ö 20 Õ (1) of the Treaty Ö TFEU Õ ;

2.‘visa’ means an authorisation issued by a Member State with a view to:

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(a) transit through or an intended stay on the territory of the Member States of a duration of no more than 90 days in any 180-day Ö days Õ period; Ö or Õ

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(b) transit through the international transit areas of airports of the Member States;

3.‘uniform visa’ means a visa valid for the entire territory of the Member States;

4.‘visa with limited territorial validity’ means a visa valid for the territory of one or more Member States but not all Member States;

5.‘airport transit visa’ means a visa valid for transit through the international transit areas of one or more airports of the Member States;

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6. 'touring visa' means a visa as defined in Article 3(2) of [Regulation No…/…];

7. 'close relatives' means the spouse, children, parents, persons exercising parental authority, grandparents and grandchildren;

8.'VIS registered applicant' means an applicant whose data are registered in the Visa Information System;

9.'VIS registered regular traveller' means a visa applicant who is registered in the Visa Information System and who has obtained two visas within the 12 months prior to the application;

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610.‘visa sticker’ means the uniform format for visas as defined by Council Regulation (EC) No 1683/95 of 29 May 1995 laying down a uniform format for visas[29];

711. ‘recognised travel document’ means a travel document recognised by one or more Member States for the purpose of ð crossing the external borders and ï affixing visas ð , under Decision No 1105/2011/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council[30] ï;

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12.'valid travel document' means a travel document that is not false, counterfeit or forged and the period of validity of which as defined by the issuing authority has not expired;

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813.‘separate sheet for affixing a visa’ means the uniform format for forms for affixing the visa issued by Member States to persons holding travel documents not recognised by the Member State drawing up the form as defined by Council Regulation (EC) No 333/2002 of 18 February 2002 on a uniform format for forms for affixing the visa issued by Member States to persons holding travel documents not recognised by the Member State drawing up the form[31];

914.‘consulate’ means a Member State’s diplomatic mission or a Member State’s consular post authorised to issue visas and headed by a career consular officer as defined by the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 24 April 1963;

1015.‘application’ means an application for a visa;

11.‘commercial intermediary’ means a private administrative agency, transport company or travel agency (tour operator or retailer).

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16.'seafarer' means any person who is employed or engaged or works in any capacity on board a ship to which the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 applies.

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TITLE II

AIRPORT TRANSIT VISA

Article 3

Third-country nationals required to hold an airport transit visa

1. Nationals of the third countries listed in Annex IV III shall be required to hold an airport transit visa when passing through the international transit areas of airports situated on the territory of the Member States.

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2. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 48 concerning amendments to the list of the third countries set out in Annex III.

Where in the case of emerging risks, imperative grounds of urgency so require, the procedure provided for in Article 49 shall apply to delegated acts adopted pursuant to this paragraph.

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3. In urgent cases of mass Ö Where there is a sudden and substantialÕ influx of illegal Ö irregular Õ immigrants, individual Ö a Õ Member States may require nationals of third countries other than those referred to in paragraph 1 to hold an airport transit visa when passing through the international transit areas of airports situated on their Ö its Õ territory. Member States shall notify the Commission of such decisions before their entry into force and of withdrawals of such an airport transit visa requirement. ð The duration of such a measure shall not exceed 12 months. The scope and duration of the airport transit visa requirement shall not exceed what is strictly necessary to respond to the sudden and substantial influx of irregular immigrants. ï

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4. Where a Member State plans to introduce the airport transit visa requirement in accordance with paragraph 3, it shall as soon as possible notify the Commission, and shall provide the following information:

(a) the reason for the planned airport transit visa requirement, substantiating the sudden and substantial influx of irregular immigrants;

(b) the scope and duration of the planned introduction of the airport transit visa requirement.

5. Following the notification by the Member State concerned in accordance with paragraph 4, the Commission may issue an opinion.

6. The Member State may prolong the application of the airport transit visa requirement only once where the lifting of the requirement would lead to a substantial influx of irregular migrants. Paragraph 3 shall apply to such prolongation.

7. The Commission shall, on an annual basis, inform the European Parliament and the Council about the implementation of this Article.

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3. Within the framework of the Committee referred to in Article 52(1), those notifications shall be reviewed on an annual basis for the purpose of transferring the third country concerned to the list set out in Annex IV.

4. If the third country is not transferred to the list set out in Annex IV, the Member State concerned may maintain, provided that the conditions in paragraph 2 are met, or withdraw the airport transit visa requirement.

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58. The following categories of persons shall be exempt from the requirement to hold an airport transit visa provided for in paragraphs 1 and 3:

(a) holders of a valid uniform visa, ð touring visa, ï national long-stay visa or residence permit issued by a Member State;

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(b) third-country nationals holding a valid residence permit issued by a Member State which does not take part in the adoption of this Regulation or by a Member State which does not yet apply the provisions of the Schengen acquis in full, or third-country nationals holding one of the valid residence permits listed in Annex V IV issued by Andorra, Canada, Japan, San Marino or the United States of America guaranteeing the holder’s unconditional readmission ð , or holding a residence permit for the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba) ï;

(c) third-country nationals holding a valid visa for a Member State which does not take part in the adoption of this Regulation, Ö or Õ for a Member State which does not yet apply the provisions of the Schengen acquis in full, ð or for a country party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, ï or for Canada, Japan or the United States of America, ð or holders of a valid visa for ï the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of ð the Netherlands (Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba), ï when travelling to the issuing country or to any other third country, or when, having used the visa, returning from the issuing country;

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(d) family members of citizens of the Union as referred to in Article 1(2)(a)ð 3 of Directive 2004/38/EC ï;

(e) holders of diplomatic ð , service, official or special ï passports;

(f) flight crew members who are nationals of a contracting Party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.

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9. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 48 concering the amendmens to the list of valid residence permits entitling the holder to transit through the airports of Member States without being required to hold an airport transit visa, set out in Annex IV.

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TITLE III

PROCEDURES AND CONDITIONS Ö AND PROCEDURES Õ FOR ISSUING VISAS

CHAPTER I

Authorities taking part in the procedures relating to applications

Article 4

Authorities competent for taking part in the procedures relating to applications

1. Applications shall be examined and decided on by consulates.

2. By way of derogation from paragraph 1, applications may be examined and decided on at the external borders of the Member States by the authorities responsible for checks on persons, in accordance with Articles 3532 ð , 33 ï and 3634.

3. In the non-European overseas territories of Member States, applications may be examined and decided on by the authorities designated by the Member State concerned.

4. A Member State may require the involvement of authorities other than the ones designated Ö referred to Õ in paragraphs 1 and 2 in the examination of and decision on applications.

5. A Member State may require to be consulted or informed by another Member State in accordance with Articles 2219 and 3128.

Article 5

Member State competent for examining and deciding on an application

1. The Member State competent for examining and deciding on an application for a uniform visa shall be:

(a) the Member State whose territory constitutes the sole destination of the visit(s);

(b) if the visit includes more than one destination, ð or if several separate visits are to be carried out within a period of two months, ï the Member State whose territory constitutes the main destination of the visit(s) in terms of the length or purpose of stay ð , counted in days ï ; or

(c) if no main destination can be determined, the Member State whose external border the applicant intends to cross in order to enter the territory of the Member States.

42. Member States shall cooperate to prevent a situation in which an application cannot be examined and decided on because Ö If Õ the Member State that is competent in accordance with paragraphs 1 to 3 ð , point (a) or (b), ï is neither present nor represented in the third country where the applicant lodges the application in accordance with Article 6, ð the applicant is entitled to lodge the application: ï

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a) at the consulate of one of the Member States of destination of the envisaged visit,

b) at the consulate of the Member State of first entry, if point a) is not applicable,

c) in all other cases at the consulate of any of the Member States that are present in the country concerned.

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3. The Member State competent for examining and deciding on an application for an airport transit visa shall be:

(a) in the case of a single airport transit, the Member State on whose territory the transit airport is situated; or

(b) in the case of double or multiple airport transit, the Member State on whose territory the first transit airport is situated.

Article 6

Consular territorial competence

1. An application shall be examined and decided on by the consulate of the competent Member State in whose jurisdiction the applicant legally resides.

2. A consulate of the competent Member State shall examine and decide on an application lodged by a third-country national legally present but not residing in its jurisdiction, if the applicant has provided justification for lodging the application at that consulate.

Article 7

Competence to issue visas to third-country nationals legally present within the territory of a Member State

1. Third-country nationals who are legally present in the territory of a Member State and who are required to hold a visa to enter the territory of one or more other Member States shall apply for a visa at the consulate of the Member State that is competent in accordance with Article 5(1) or (2).

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2. Third-country nationals who have lost their travel document, or from whom this document has been stolen, while staying in the territory of a Member State, may leave that territory on the basis of a valid travel document entitling them to cross the border issued by a consulate of their country of nationality without any visa or other authorisation

3. Where the third-country national, referred to in paragraph 2, intends to continue travelling in the Schengen area, the authorities in the Member State where he declares the loss or theft of his travel document, shall issue a visa with a duration of validity and period of allowed stay identical to the original visa on the basis of the data registered in the VIS.

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CHAPTER II

Application

Article 98

Practical modalities for lodging an application

1. Applications shall ð may ï be lodged no more than three ð six ï months before ð and no later than 15 calendar days before ï the start of the intended visit. Holders of a multiple-entry visa may lodge the application before the expiry of the visa valid for a period of at least six months.

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2. Applicants Ö Consulates Õ may be required Ö applicants Õ to obtain an appointment for the lodging of an application. The appointment shall, as a rule, take place within a period of two weeks from the date when the appointment was requested.

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3. The consulate shall allow to lodge the application either without prior appointment or with an immediate appointment to close relatives of Union citizens who:

(a) intend to visit their Union citizen close relatives residing in the Member State of their nationality;

(b) intend to travel, together with their Union citizen close relatives residing in a third country, to the Member State of which the Union citizen has the nationality.

4. The consulate shall allow to lodge the application either without prior appointment or with an immediate appointment to family members of Union citizens as referred to in Article 3 of Directive 2004/38/EC.

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5. In justified cases of urgency, the consulate may ð shall ï allow applicants to lodge their applications either without appointment, or an Ö immediate Õ appointment shall be given immediately.

6. Applications may ð , without prejudice to Article 12, ï be lodged: at the consulate

(a) by the applicant or

(b) by Ö an Õ accredited commercial Ö intermediary referred to in Article 43 Õ intermediaries, as provided for in Article 45(1), without prejudice to Article 13, or in accordance with Article 42 or 43.

Ö (c) a professional, cultural,sports or educational association or institution. Õ

Ö 7. An applicant shall not be required to appear in person at more than one location in order to lodge an application Õ

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Article 109

General rules for lodging an application

1. Without prejudice to the provisions of Articles 13, 42, 43 and 45, aApplicants shall appear in person when lodging an application ð for the collection of fingerprints, in accordance with Article 12 (2) and (3) ï .

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2. VIS registered applicants shall not be required to appear in person when lodging an application, where their fingerprints have been entered into the VIS less than 59 months before.

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2. Consulates may waive the requirement referred to in paragraph 1 when the applicant is known to them for his integrity and reliability.

3. When lodging the application, the applicant shall:

(a) present an application form in accordance with Article 1110;

(b) present a travel document in accordance with Article 1211;

(c) present a photograph in accordance with the standards set out in Regulation (EC) No 1683/95 or, where the VIS is operational pursuant to Article 48 of the VIS Regulation Ö (EC) No 767/2008 Õ , in accordance with the standards set out in Article 1312 of this Regulation;

(d) allow the collection of his fingerprints in accordance with Article 1312, where applicable;

(e) pay the visa fee in accordance with Article 1614;

(f) provide supporting documents in accordance with Article 14 13 and Annex II;.

(g) where applicable, produce proof of possession of adequate and valid travel medical insurance in accordance with Article 15.

Article 1110

Application form

1. Each applicant shall submit a Ö manually or electronically Õ completed and signed application form, as set out in Annex I. Persons included in the applicant’s travel document shall submit a separate application form. Minors shall submit an application form signed by a person exercising permanent or temporary parental authority or legal guardianship.

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2. The content of the electronic version of the application form, if applicable, shall be as set out in Annex I.

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23. Consulates shall make the application form widely available and easily accessible to applicants free of charge.

34. The form shall ð as a minimum ï be available in the following languages:

(a) the official language(s) of the Member State for which a visa is requested; Ö and Õ

(b) the official language(s) of the host country;.

(c) the official language(s) of the host country and the official language(s) of the Member State for which a visa is requested; or

(d) in case of representation, the official language(s) of the representing Member State.

In addition to the language(s) referred to in point (a), the form may be made available in another Ö any other Õ official language Ö language(s) Õ of the institutions of the European Union.

45. If the application form is not available in the official language(s) of the host country, a translation of it into that/those language(s) shall be made available separately to applicants.

56. A Ö The Õ translation of the application form into the official language(s) of the host country shall be produced under local Schengen cooperation provided for Ö as set out Õ in Article 4846.

67. The consulate shall inform applicants of the language(s) which may be used when filling in the application form.

Article 1211

Travel document

The applicant shall present a valid travel document satisfying the following criteria:

(a) its validity shall extend Ö without prejudice to Article 21(2), it shall be valid for Õ at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Member States or, in the case of several visits, after the last intended date of departure from the territory of the Member States. However, in a justified case of emergency, this obligation may be waived;

(b) it shall contain at least two ð one ï blank ð double ï pages ð , and if several applicants are covered by the same travel document it shall contain one blank double page per applicant ï ;

(c) it shall have been issued within the previous 10 years.

Article 1312

Biometric identifiers

1. Member States shall collect biometric identifiers of the applicant comprising a photograph of him and his 10 fingerprints in accordance with the safeguards laid down in the Council of Europe’s Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

2. At the time of submission of the first application, the applicant shall be required to appear in person. At that time, the following biometric identifiers of the applicant shall be collected:

– a photograph, scanned or taken at the time of application, and

– his 10 fingerprints taken flat and collected digitally.

3. Where fingerprints collected from the applicant as part of an earlier application ð for a short stay visa or a touring visa ï were entered in the VIS for the first time less than 59 months before the date of the new application, they shall be copied to the subsequent application.

However, where there is reasonable doubt regarding the identity of the applicant, the consulate shall collect fingerprints within the period specified in the first subparagraph.

Furthermore, if at the time when the application is lodged, it cannot be immediately confirmed that the fingerprints were collected within the period specified in the first subparagraph, the applicant may request that they be collected.

4. In accordance with Article 9(5) of the VIS Regulation Ö (EC) No 767/2008 Õ , the photograph attached to each application shall be entered in the VIS. The applicant shall not be required to appear in person for this purpose.

The technical requirements for the photograph shall be in accordance with the international standards as set out in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) document 9303 Part 1, 6th edition.

5. Fingerprints shall be taken in accordance with ICAO standards and Commission Decision 2006/648/EC[32].

6. The biometric identifiers shall be collected by qualified and duly authorised staff of the authorities competent in accordance with Article 4(1), (2) and (3). Under the supervision of the consulates, the biometric identifiers may also be collected by qualified and duly authorised staff of an honorary consul as referred to in Article 42 40 or of an external servi