We know how much everyone loves the good old Schengen visa (read: we all hate it!). There are some important Schengen visa rule changes happening in February 2020. We thought it would be helpful to mention the key changes.
The main reasons for this Schengen visa rules change are to strengthen the common visa policy and also improve the migration and security concerns that they have.
They intend to do this in 2 main ways:
- Providing easier visa procedures for frequent travellers that abide by the rules
- Rewarding countries that co-operate with readmission of illegal immigrants and other similar issues.
What are the Schengen visa rules changes?
Electronic Applications forms in most countries
The new rule states that, where possible, applications forms can be completed and submitted electronically. This means that hopefully, Maldivians can apply for Schengen visa without the need to travel to neighbouring Sri Lanka. I have emailed the relevant authorities to confirm this. I will update the post as soon as I receive a response.
Application submission period extended
You can now apply for the visa 6 months in advance (previously 3 months). This is definitely a good change given you can now plan well in advance! Also, there’s always the prospect of finding cheaper flights when you look in advance.
Higher visa fees
One drawback of the Schengen visa rules changes is that visa fees will now be more expensive. Applicants that used to pay €60 will now pay €80 and applicants that used to pay €35 will now pay €40.
Rewarding law-abiding frequent travellers
Perhaps the BEST change is that frequent travellers with a positive history will have the benefit of getting a multiple-entry visa with a validity of one to five years.
A positive history is whereby the applicant is
- Able to provide evidence of good financial history in the home country
- Show genuine intention to leave the territory before visa expiry
- Show you have proper insurance in place.
Schengen members to appoint representative missions in every third country
All Schengen countries are required to have a representative in every third country. This is either through an embassy/consulate, another member state or by outsourcing to an external service provider. This could perhaps be one of the reasons why Germany is opening a visa centre in Maldives?.
Leveraging visa processing for the re-admissions
The commission is to regularly assess third countries co-operation with regards to the re-admission of illegal immigrants and other similar cases. If a third country is co-operating fully, then applicants from those countries could expect shorter processing times, lower fees and longer duration visas. However, if found not to be co-operative, third-country applicants could face tougher procedures and higher fees with regards to their applications.
Happy travels,
Bobbé
If you would like to know how to ensure you get a multiple entry Schengen visa then have a read HERE.
