OSCE/ODIHR regional expert roundtable in Istanbul focuses on benefits of electronic visa application systems
The use of online technologies for visa facilitation was the focus of a regional expert roundtable meeting organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in co-operation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, on 10 and 11 June 2015 in Istanbul.
The meeting on the “Implementation of online technologies for the facilitation of visa applications and remote visa issuance” brought together 17 visa policy experts, from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan, as well as experts from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Participants discussed the benefits of the use of online and information technologies in visa facilitation, as well as the legal and practical requirements for their introduction.
“Electronic visa-application systems and electronic visas are examples of innovative use of information technologies to facilitate cross-border travel,” said Zoran Dokovic, ODIHR Migration and Human Contacts Adviser.
The experts were nominated by OSCE participating States that either already operate electronic visa systems, or are considering their introduction.
“This roundtable provided an opportunity to meet with other experts and exchange methodologies on visa-facilitation practices,” said Haldun Koc, Head of Information Technologies Department of the Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “For example, Turkey’s Electronic Visa Application System (EVAS) represents a significant upgrade in handling visa applications, as it enables travelers to apply for visas from home and eliminates the need for dedicated visa-application facilities.”
The event is part of ODIHR’s efforts to support OSCE participating States in the implementation of their commitments on freedom of movement and cross-border, people-to-people contacts, by promoting the exchange of best practices in the facilitation of cross-border travel, including through visa facilitation.