Baku, Azerbaijan, April 2
By Sabina Ahmadova - Trend:
The European Commission issued new proposals on simplifying the visa-issuing regulations.
"The new proposals would be of benefit to the citizens of Azerbaijan," head of the EU representative office to Azerbaijan, Malena Mard said.
She made the statement during the presentation of a report on the country's progress in 2013 as part of the European Neighbourhood Policy.
She noted that in accordance with the new proposals it will be necessary to obtain a visa six months in advance.
"The period of staying in Europe will be extended from 90 days to one year and the validity of visa will be three years," Mard said, adding that the new proposals will be discussed by the EU Member States.
The European Commission has issued a number of proposals for the simplification of the visa issuance process. Among those - the reduction of a document examination period from 15 to 10 days, the issuance of multiple-entry tourist visas valid for three years, and simplification the issuance of visas for visitors to major events.
It is also planned to give opportunity to apply for a visa online or at the consulates of other EU countries if there is no diplomatic representation of the destination country nearby.
Edited by: SI