Publication

The new EU Visa Code came into force on 5 April 2010. It contains uniform regulations for the 25 Schengen states observing the Common Visa Policy. The Visa Code structures the applicable provisions and establishes common principles and conditions for visa issuing. The uniform visa application form has been simplified, the number of persons exempt from visa fees raised, the right to an effective remedy against visa rejection decisions granted, all of which makes for a positive appraisal of the new Visa Code. Importantly, the Code’s new regulations specifying the competence for examining visa applications are especially significant for Poland.