As of 5 April 2010 Estonian diplomatic missions and consular posts will apply Visa Code

From 5 April 2010 diplomatic missions and consular posts of Estonia are following in processing of visa applications the new Regulation establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code). Visa Code establishes the procedures and conditions for issuing visas for transit and stays in the territory of the Member States not exceeding three months in any six-month period.

Visa Code increases transparency and legal security for applicants. The main provisions in the new regulations are:

1. It clarifies which Schengen State is responsible for processing a visa application and defines the different phases for examination and decision taking.
2. It includes new provisions allowing for multiple-entry visas under certain conditions. The applicant has to prove his/her integrity and reliability, in particular the lawful use of previous uniform visas, his/her economic situation in the country of origin and his/her genuine intention to leave the Schengen territory before the expiry of the visa.
3. It lists the documents a visa applicant needs to submit and the procedures for their verification.
4. It establishes that a decision on visa application has be taken within 15 calendar days.
5. It foresees new exemptions from visa fee. The visa fee is set at 60 euro for persons from the age of twelve and older and 35 euros for children between six and eleven. For children under six as well as school pupils coming to Europe for the purpose of study or educational training, researchers and representatives of non-profit organizations under 25 participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events visas are free.

Visa Code also establishes new requirements for travel documents. A travel document should contain at least two blank pages and be valid at least 3 months after the expiration date of the visa. A travel document must have been issued within the previous 10 years.

For more information, please see the Visa Code: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:243:0001...