Can I Use EU VAP? A Complete Guide to Understanding the EU Visa Application Portal

If you've heard about the EU Visa Application Portal (VAP) and are wondering whether it applies to you, you’re in the right place.

When new travel systems are announced, it can be a bit confusing as to whether or not they will be available to you, or even required.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about the EU VAP, including who needs to use it, what it's for, and if you’ll need it for your upcoming trip to France, Spain, or anywhere else in the Schengen area!

Can I use EU VAP?

If you aren’t from the EU and are applying for a visa to travel to Europe, yes – but not until it launches.

The EU Visa Application Portal, or EU VAP, is a new platform that allows travelers to apply for their visas online. This portal was designed to streamline the visa application process for anyone and everyone traveling to Europe on a visa.

The portal isn’t expected to be fully functional until 2030, but you may be able to use it before then, as it will be slowly rolled out from country to country.

Can Americans use EU VAP?

Yes, but it’s important to note that Americans don’t currently need a visa for short stays in the Schengen area (France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and others)

In addition to that, it won’t be fully operational until 2030.

Can anyone use EU VAP?

Yes! If you need to apply for a Schengen visa for your stay in the Schengen area, you will be able to use EU VAP once it has been rolled out and launched in your country of residence for your country of destination. EU VAP is replacing in-person Schengen visa application appointments (other than biometric collection).

Each country will launch EU VAP at its own pace within an allotted period. While some countries may use EU VAP as early as 2028, it should be available to everyone in 2030.

Who is EU VAP for?

The EU VAP is for travelers who aren’t from the EU and need a Schengen visa for their trip to the Schengen area (a collection of 29 countries in Europe).

This includes citizens from countries outside of the EU, such as India, China, Russia, and others.

The portal simplifies the process of submitting and tracking visa applications, offering a more efficient (and accessible!) way for travelers to apply for different types of visas, whether for tourism, work, study, or family reunification.

Will EU VAP be mandatory?

For many travelers, EU VAP will be a required step in your visa application process. While it’s a new process, it isn’t a new step though. Instead, it will replace in-person visa appointments at visa centers, consulates, and embassies.

The European Union has been working to streamline its visa application processes, and part of that effort includes making the EU VAP a central hub for Schengen visa applications across multiple EU countries.

With that being said, for certain situations – such as long-term residency or complex visa needs – travelers may still need to apply directly through visa application centers, consulates, or embassies.

More information about EU VAP will become available to the public as we get closer to its launch (in the coming months/years).

Is EU VAP a visa?

No, the EU VAP is not a visa. It is an online platform where travelers can apply for Schengen visas.

Think of it as a tool or system that helps to process visa applications faster and more efficiently.

The actual Schengen visa will be granted by the authorities of the country you are applying to visit, just as it was before.

How do I send my documents to EU VAP?

All documents will be uploaded digitally, even your passport. This is a major change, as currently, submitting a physical passport is required for all Schengen visa applications.

This also means that your visa won’t be physical and stamped into your passport. With the introduction of EU VAP, Schengen visas will become fully digital.

Who shouldn’t use EU VAP?

Travelers who don’t need a visa to visit the Schengen area for short-term stays won’t use the EU VAP. This includes citizens from visa-exempt countries, such as the US, Canada, Australia, and others.

Additionally, citizens of EU member states or countries with special agreements allowing visa-free travel will not need to use this portal.

In some cases, in-person appointments might still be required for specific applications. It may also vary from country to country. Rest assured there will be more information as we approach the release date of EU VAP in the coming months/years.

Who can use EU VAP: Key Takeaways

• EU VAP is for non-EU citizens who need a visa to travel to the Schengen area.
• Americans do not need to use EU VAP for short stays (as visas are not required).
• Citizens from visa-exempt countries do not need the EU VAP for short stays (US, Canada, etc.).
• EU VAP is a portal, not a visa. It's a system for processing visa applications, not a visa itself.
• Citizens of EU and Schengen countries do not need to use the EU VAP, as they do not need visas for the Schengen zone.
• In some cases, travelers may still need to apply directly through visa application centers, consulates, or embassies for certain visas.
• EU VAP isn’t set to be fully functional until 2030, though it may be available in some locations as soon as 2028.
• With EU VAP, visas will no longer be physically pasted into your passport. They will be fully digital.