When any individual applies for the Schengen visa, there are certain requirements that they must fulfill. These requirements include certain Covid test requirements if you are from a country of concern.
When the Covid 19 pandemic occurred, countries became extremely cautious about travel of individuals from one country to another. Many travel restrictions were imposed to stop the spread of Covid. Therefore, the member states of the European Union also imposed restrictions on travel for foreigners.
Hence, if you really had to travel, you were required to fulfill the Covid test requirements and only then you would be able to get the Schengen visa. However, as the Covid situation has improved around the globe, the restrictions have been lifted off. Nevertheless, there are some countries who chose to keep the restrictions in tact for some areas of concern.
What are the Current Restrictions for the Schengen Visa?
In accordance with the reduction of spread in Covid, the permit restrictions have been reduced. Vaccination and proper implementation of measures has lead to the Schengen countries not imposing very strict measures.
Most of the Schengen countries are now allowing travelers from all parts of the world to come and visit the Schengen area. Free movement is allowed and entry requirements are very minimum in terms of Covid.
What are the Covid Test Requirements to Enter European Countries?
When Covid was at its worst and immunizations had just begun, it was crucial to demonstrate your immunity to the disease. Therefore, many countries made it mandatory for travelers to present proof of vaccination, Covid test results, certificate, etc. Without the submission of the proper documentation for proof of Covid, you would not get the visa and would not be allowed to travel to the Schengen zone.
At first, the travel ban prevented citizens of numerous non-Schengen nations from travelling in the Schengen region. Only those who could show proper proof were allowed to travel. A handful of people whose travel was extremely important were allowed to come only!
However, now almost everyone is allowed to travel freely in the Schengen area member states. Previously, wearing a mask had been mandatory but now this mandating has been lifted as well. Moreover, you do not need to show your vaccination proof or any test result.
Out of all the EU countries, Spain, Luxembourg and Netherlands do have certain restrictions as they do not wish to risk the spread of Covid. These restrictions by these EU member states are mainly on third countries.
In case a country does require you to take your Covid test, then you must provide them with the Covid tests results that are not older than 72 hours. You should provide a negative test result and in case you tested positive you will not be allowed to travel to the Schengen zone.
There is also the EU digital Covid certificate that can be used to show that you have tested negative, have been fully vaccinated and do not suffer from Covid. This certificate is issued by the national health authority.
Additionally, to travel to the Schengen area, you should have your health insurance too so that any medical emergencies are covered and catered for.
Before you travel to the Schengen area, make sure whether the country you want to travel has any Covid testing requirements or not. If it does, check how many days before you need to get the test done and if there are any other documents that you need to submit alongside.
Procedure to Apply for the Schengen Visa
There are two different procedures for applying for the Schengen visa. You can either visit the nearest embassy, consulate or the visa application center or apply online through a third-party agency.
Applying by visiting the embassy or consulate can be time consuming as you have to schedule an appointment beforehand.
VisaHQ is an online platform which offers the services of applying for visa and passports online. If you want to apply for the Schengen visa physically, VisaHQ also offers pre-document checking. With this checking, you can get affirmation that the documents you will be taking to the embassy are right. This will also ensure that your visa application request is not delayed.
If you want to apply for the visa online, you can do that through VisaHQ as well. You have to select the home country you are from and the Schengen visa you want to visit. Once done, you can apply by filling the Schengen visa application form. Don't forget to scan and upload the documents either!
Moreover, you should check whether depending on the country you are from are there any Coronavirus test requirements or not. If there are then you must follow the guidelines and submit the relevant documents. VisaHQ will guide you as you proceed to apply for the visa.