Schengen Visa Rules Set To Change by February 2020
Traveling to Europe soon? You may need to double-check your requirements as Schengen Visa rules are set to change effective February 2020.
Starting the first Monday of February 2020, all Schengen Visa applicants lodging an application file will be subject to the new Schengen Visa Code.
The EU Visa Code or officially known as the Schengen Visa is one of the most famous and also hard to obtain visas in the world. It grants its holders to travel to 26 European countries—22 of which are part of the European Union.
Promulgated in 2010, there are currently 104 countries and entities that are subject to obtain a Schengen visa to enter the EU for stays up to three months within the Schengen Zone.
With the increasing number of Schengen visa applicants every year, the EU amended a few rules to the visa code to facilitate the application procedures for travelers and consulate staff.
Under the revised code, the main changes foreseen are as follows:
- Higher visa fees of €80 per application from the previous €60. Those that had to pay €35 will now need to pay €40, including children and other categories that were granted with the benefit of paying lower fees.
- Extended application submission periods from three months to six months in advance of a trip.
- Electronic application forms are now allowed in most countries.
- Representative authorities of every Schengen Member must be present in every third-country in terms of visa admission after February 2.
- Frequent travelers with a positive visa history are to benefit from visas with lengthier validity.
Moreover, the new code also highlights the importance of having Schengen Insurance when applying for a visa. Travelers who are applying for a multiple-entry visa have to provide adequate and valid travel medical insurance covering the period of their first intended visit.
Several EU countries have already confirmed they will start the implementation of the new visa code at the same period in all Member States such as Lithuania, Germany, Finland, Belgium, and Denmark.
The proposal of changing the visa code was first adopted in May 2018 with the purpose of strengthening the common visa policy, as well as migration and security concerns.
For more information, you may visit Schengen Visa’s website at www.schengenvisainfo.com.
Source: Schengen Visa Info website
