Covid 19 fanned the flames of panic worldwide due to the threat it posed. Travel was severely affected during the pandemic.
Many countries restricted travel from many other areas of concern. Strict measures were implemented to curb the spread and damage of Covid 19.
Many border controls and restrictions were put on travel in Europe. Covid 19 had been spreading rampantly in Europe, and the European Commission taken some strict actions to impose a ban.
This article will discuss how the Covid restrictions affected the Schengen Visa and travel to all the Schengen member states!
Recent Covid Travel Restrictions
Recently, there has been significant improvement in the spread of Covid 19 as it is not as extreme as it used to be. Increased vaccination around the globe has been a catalyst in reducing the spread of Covid 19 like wildfire.
Hence, due to recent advancements and reductions in the spread of Covid, the European Union member states have let go of all permit restrictions that were once very strictly imposed. All kinds of travelers are allowed to travel freely to European countries.
Most of the member states of the Schengen area have decided to let go of any entry restrictions for travelers.
Entry Restrictions
Previously, when Covid was at its peak and vaccinations had started, it was essential to prove that you were safe from Covid. This could have been in the form of vaccination status, Covid test results, etc.
Initially, the travel ban did not allow nationals of many non-Schengen countries to travel in the Schengen area. Only specific people were allowed that after strict measures had been implemented and the proper documents were provided.
However, most EU countries in the Schengen zone allow travelers even if they do not provide vaccination or negative test results. Moreover, mask-wearing restrictions have been lifted in many places.
Are There Any Countries That Have Entry Restrictions Still in Place?
Amongst the Schengen area, certain countries still have Covid 19 entry restrictions. These include Spain, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
Spain has entry restrictions for travelers coming from third-world countries. Once they arrive, these travelers must show their proof of vaccination, Covid test results, etc. You must fill out the health control form if you cannot provide these documents to the authorities.
Moreover, travelers coming to Spain must have those vaccines approved and should have had a booster shot as well. If the applicant is submitting a recovery certificate, then it should not be older than six months, and the PCR test should not be older than 72 hours before you arrive in Spain.
Similarly, the Netherlands also has such policies in implementation. You must fulfill the entry requirements if you belong to a third country, and there is a ban on those who belong to these countries until and unless they can show proof of vaccination or that they are safe from Covid 19.
Luxembourg also has entry rules for third countries. And the same rules as Spain and the Netherlands apply in Luxembourg.
These three countries are still taking extra precautions to ensure that Covid 19 is not spread!
Additionally, some of the countries that are a part of the Schengen area have put entry restrictions on those coming from the People's Republic of China. This is because the infection rate in China is still high compared to many other countries, and the Schengen countries do not want to risk enhancing the spread in their country. Those who visit from China must prove they are safe to enter any Schengen countries.
Hence, in your visa application, you must provide the proper documents and ensure that you attach proof of vaccination or negative test results. Only then will your application be approved, and you will acquire the Schengen visa.
Future Entry Restrictions
Depending on the situation of Covid 19, if it worsens in the future, the EU states that are a member of the Schengen zone will be quick to implement entry restrictions. If a particular place turns out to be an area of concern, then entry restrictions may be implemented. Therefore, you should always check what the requirements for your particular country are for the Schengen visa.
Applying for the Visa
Many Schengen countries of the European Union do not ask for any Covid related documents. Still, for those who do, you must ensure that you attach those particular documents when applying for the visa.
Depending on your nationality, applicants must provide the proper documents; otherwise, you will cause a delay in your visa processing. VisaHQ is an online visa service that not only allows you to apply for a visa online but also knows the requirements for any visa regarding your nationality. Therefore, through VisaHQ, you can apply for any Schengen visa you want and know if Covid entry restrictions exist for your nationality!