The Council of the EU adopted new rules today which will allow people who plan to travel to the Schengen area to apply online for a visa, Ednews informs.

The Council said it will simplify the application process for travelers and, at the same time, will ease the burden on national administrations, which will be able to respond more quickly and effectively.

“The two regulations adopted today will create an EU visa application platform. With a few exceptions, applications for Schengen visas will be made through that platform. On the platform, visa applicants will be able to enter all the relevant data, upload electronic copies of their travel documents and supporting documents, and pay their visa fees,” the Council of the EU said in a statement.

According to the statement, the new regulations render in-person appearance at the consulate redundant. In principle, in-person appearance will only be necessary for first-time applicants, people whose biometric data are no longer valid and people with a new travel document.

Moreover, the current visa sticker will be replaced with a cryptographically signed barcode.