Travel between Schengen states is likely to become more restricted as a COVID-19 defence. According to Schengenvisainfo.com, visa applications could soon require a clean bill of health.
An update on the website says Schengen visa applicants may be asked to submit a negative coronavirus test result within two weeks of the application.
Visa Request, an SA visa consultancy, said it could not confirm that visa conditions had been officially revised but it could confirm that governments had tightened up on the crossing of borders between Schengen states.
“Whether you are an EU member state citizen or any other nationality, travelling between Schengen states is now very restricted and there is a very high probability of being turned away at the borders, including airports as well,” says Vincent Mutezo, marketing head of Visa Request. For current travel, Vincent advises EU citizens to check Schengen states’ embassy websites as they are issuing notices on the extent of their border restrictions daily.
“According to the Schengenvisainfo.com update, you will need to get a COVID-19 test done within two weeks before submitting a visa application. If granted a visa, you will have to go for a second test before departure. This will definitely increase the cost of travel but at this stage I believe it is a necessary requirement,” adds Vincent.
Jose Cruz of Jose Cruz Travel Assist, says his contacts at the French, Italian and Portuguese consulates have not confirmed visa changes as they are hurriedly preparing for borders to reopen after the end of lockdown. “Once the spread of COVID-19 is contained in the EU, everything is expected to go back to normal, with freer movement between states,” Jose told eTNW.
