Important Announcement
13.11.2022 / 11:15 | Aktualizováno: 13.11.2022 / 13:15
As of November 2022, the security of the EU visa sticker is being enhanced as regards the personalisation data, through the introduction of a visible digital seal (2D barcode) which protects the entries in the data fields of the visa. This is also a step towards full digitalisation of the visa, as the physical paper sticker will eventually disappear and the barcode will remain as a fall-back if the EU Visa Information System is not accessible.
Border guards can read and validate the visible digital seal (2D barcode) printed on Schengen visas. The 2D barcode (a square looking like a QR Code at the lower right corner of the visa) follows ICAO specifications and adds an extra layer of security. If the data encoded in the barcode does not match the personal data of the visa holder printed on the sticker or if the validation of the digital signature fails, then the visa sticker might be counterfeit or forged. If the data encoded in the barcode match the data printed on the sticker, but validation of the digital signature fails for one reason or another, this does not automatically impact the validity of the visa as there may be other reasons for the failure. In the event there is a doubt about the authenticity of the visa, it is recommended to contact the visa issuing authority.
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