[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]WASHINGTON – The US government has successfully completed a trial of “paperless visas,” paving the way for their widespread adoption to replace traditional stickers, according to Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services. The new process maintains the same visa processing steps, but instead of physical visas in passports, the information is stored electronically. Individuals requiring a visa interview will still be mandated to attend.
The pilot program was initiated in the embassy in Dublin, and while Stufft emphasized that the shift to paperless visas will not occur in the next year, she estimated a timeline of around 18 months for complete implementation. She also suggested the possibility of developing an app to display visa status, stating that the administration is exploring other types of visas.
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The concept of paperless visas is not entirely novel, as several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, New Zealand, and various European nations, have either implemented or were in the process of adopting such systems.
The advantages of paperless visas include increased convenience for travelers, elimination of the need for physical documents, reduced risk of lost or damaged papers, quicker processing times, enhanced digital verification, streamlined border controls, and support for eco-friendly practices by minimizing paper usage. Additionally, it allows authorities to update and manage visa information more dynamically and securely.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
