Malta will have to adhere to new visa rules if European Commission proposals to expedite the issue of Schengen visas are approved by member states.
Last year, Malta approved most Schengen visa applications made at its representations, issuing about 71,236 out of 79,559 applications.
Schengen visas give access to non-EU citizens to all member states forming part of a common area. Only the UK and Ireland do not form part of the so-called Schengen zone.
To shorten and simplify procedures for non-EU citizens wanting to come to the EU for short stays, the Commission has proposed a number of changes.
These include shortening the deadline related to processing an application, simplifying application rules and a new type of document called a touring visa.
The touring visa will allow legitimate non-EU nationals entering the Schengen area to circulate for up to one year with the possibility of an extension for up to two years, provided that the applicant does not stay for more than 90 days in any 180-day period in the same member state.
This would, for instance, apply to performing artists who tour for a prolonged period but also to individuals, such as tourists, researchers and students who wish to spend more time in Europe.
The deadline for processing and making a decision on a visa application is to be reduced from the current 15 days to 10 while the type of supporting documents required will be simplified. The often costly obligatory travel medical insurance will be abolished.
Also, if the member state competent for processing the visa application is neither present nor represented in a given third country, the applicant will be entitled to apply at any consulate there.
It is estimated that the EU issues about 16 million Schengen visas every year.
Most of the applications come from Russia – over six million a year – followed by Ukraine, China and Turkey.
According to the Commission, a recent study showed more flexible and accessible visa rules could lead to an increase of up to 60 per cent in trips to the Schengen area.