eu-com-schengen-coop

Those who wish to obtain an EU entry visa with the purpose of treatment after submitting documents
supporting their case and the embassy should verify such documents
• Those who wish to have an entry visa to the EU with the purpose of studying or participating in
scientific conferences after submitting documents supporting their case and the embassy should verify such
documents
Upon agreement with the Member States, a reply was sent to the MFA by verbal note. The reply informed
the MFA about the requirement for a movement certificate and detailed the discretionary competence of the
Member States in this matter.
3.3 Exchange of information
- Monthly statistics (visa applications/issuances) were shared via e-mail. Member States
agreed on a template for the visa statistics, in order to facilitate the aggregation of the yearly
data. The EU Delegation aggregated the data Member States filed on a regular basis. The
overview of the 2013 data was discussed during the February 2014 LSC meeting and is
attached to this annual report. The visa statistics reflected regular tendencies: a refusal rate
oscillating between 10 to 15 percent and a drop in demands in January. Member States
agreed that this refusal rate does not only include refusals, but also visas that are not issued,
among others.
- Use of Arabic version of visa documents. Some Member States have an Arabic version of
the websites and make the visa form instructions available in Arabic. No Member State
allows the visa forms to be filled out in Arabic.
- Handling of visa applications from Syrian citizens. Member States procedures regarding
visa applications from Syrian citizens range from referring them to the competent consulates
(mostly in Turkey), to treating them on a case-by-case basis. If applications are processed,
refusal rates tend to be relatively high (70% to almost 100%).
- 15 days grace period. Member States held a discussion on the implementation of art. 24 of
the Visa Code. Most Member States apply the 15 days grace period, often automatically.
However, the implementation of the article raises concerns with the validity of the TMI.
- Blacklisted persons and suspicious applications. Member States regularly exchange
information by e-mail on blacklisted applicants and suspicious visa applications.
- Travel Medical Insurance (TMI): The LSC group reviewed the request of one company
(Tokio Marine Egypt General Takaful) to be added to the list of approved TMI's. Tokio Marine
Egypt General Takaful is the successor company of Nile General Takaful, which was already on the
list of TMI's. The policy proposed by Tokio Marine Egypt General Takaful was similar to the one
previously proposed by Nile General Takaful and met all requirements. The request was thus
approved by all Member States. An updated version of the Cairo Schengen Common list of insurance
companies offering adequate TMI coverage was subsequently circulated to all Cairo LSC members.
12893/14 PR/lm 71
DG D 1 A
EN