Visas: uniform format

PURPOSE: To lay down a uniform format for visas. COMMUNITY MEASURE: Council Regulation 334/2002/EC amending Regulation 1683/95/EC laying down a uniform format for visas. CONTENT: In line with recent technological changes which have taken place and which have been adopted under the Vienna Action Plan of 1998, this current Regulation updates and amends Regulation 1683/95 on the laying down of a uniform visa format. New elements have been added to the format for visas, including security requirement which incorporate enhanced anti-forgery, counterfeiting and falsification standards. Similarly, technical standards and methods are to be used for the filling in of uniform visas. The colours of the visa sticker may be changed. The Commission will be assisted by Committee. An integrated photo, produced to the highest security standards is to be included in the visa - at the latest five years after the adoption of the technical measures. Under the terms of the Protocol on the United Kingdom and Ireland annexed to the Treaty of European Union the United Kingdom has given notice that it will apply this Regulation. Ireland has notified the Community that it is not participating in the adoption of this Regulation. As regards the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway, this Regulation will have certain consequences for them under the Schengen acquis. ENTRY INTO FORCE: 15/03/02.�