The spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic across the globe has changed a lot of things in recent days. Countries have started to implement new policies as a precaution.
French President Emanuel Macron recently warned the public that the external borders of the Schengen Area and the Associated Member states may possibly remain closed till September.
Furthermore, any hopes of applying for a Schengen Visa during this period is utterly impossible. Moreover, the European Commission has already called for the prolongation of the border closure until mid-May. If the commission decides to extend external borders until September, this means non-EEA nationals and residence permit holders will not be able to travel to these countries.
In order to reduce the risk of the pandemic affected travelers from entering the countries, member states will start asking for additional documents regarding the applicant’s health conditions including COVID-19 test results.
According to an EU official, it is confirmed that those wishing to travel to the Schengen Area after the Member States start to gradually go back to normal.
Reportedly, the source stated:
When the Schengen Borders open up in September, if they do, Schengen Visa applicants will need to submit a Coronavirus test that has resulted negative, taken within the last two weeks prior to the visa application.
The traveller may be required to take a new test before travelling to the Schengen area, as to make sure that he/she has not been infected in the meantime, -Source
The source also shared that once the COVID-19 vaccine is available, visa applicants may also be required to be vaccinated in the future if the virus remains active.
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