Impact of Covid-19 on Schengen Visas

Schengen Visas are granted to individuals who wish to migrate to European countries. However, one must know that not all countries that are a part of the European Union allow for Schengen Visas to be used in their country’s jurisdiction. 26 European countries abolished their internal borders, to allow restriction-free movement between all the countries. These countries have come up with a set of common rules for managing their external borders by putting in more effort to maintain a common judicial system and by maximizing inter-state police cooperation.

Lithuania’s government has stated that all visitors to Lithuania no longer need to quarantine themselves for 14 days on arrival as the self-quarantine period has been reduced from 14 days to 10 days. Before entering Lithuania, all individuals will have to submit an E-form on the website of the National Centre for Public Health. Individuals who do not show signs of infection will be allowed to leave after a mandatory health check after the 7th day of self-quarantine. However, all Covid-19 related precautions must be followed to reduce the spread of the virus.

Hungary’s government has planned on issuing certificates to all individuals who have taken both shots of Covid-19 vaccinations and have properly followed self-isolation norms in the country. The certificate provided to individuals will not have an expiry date as there simply isn’t enough information related to the immunity of humans against the virus.

Countries like Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, and other countries that offer the Schengen Visa have backed the vaccination certificate drive brought into the limelight by the Hungarian government.

EU officials back in April 2020 had confirmed that all passengers wishing to enter the borders of the European Union will be obliged to get vaccinated against the Corona Virus, failure in doing so will result in problems during acquiring the Schengen Visa.

The ministry of foreign affairs of Norway continues to try and dissuade travelers from going on unnecessary trips to Schengen Zone countries that have high rates of Covid-19 infections. The government of Norway has also adopted stricter measures, such as expelling foreigners who do not follow the proper guidelines mandated by the World Health Organization and by the government of Norway. Travelers wishing to enter Norway will have to go through strict testing at the borders and all individuals, including citizens of Norway, shall be punished if they are found violating the testing and registration obligations.

Germany has imposed a ban on entry of individuals wishing to enter Germany from, Austria and the Czech Republic. However, certain commuters who are deemed to be indispensable for the smooth functioning of parts of Germany that lie in the states of Bavaria and Saxony will be allowed entry. All such commuters will be required to have individual official certificates issued by the states of Bavaria and Saxony.

Other countries such as Slovakia and Estonia have tightened up border security even further due to the spread of the virus. On the other hand, Finland has lifted travel restrictions that were imposed for the citizens of Iceland.

In finality, The aura of Schengen Visas is shrouded with an air uncertainty around them due to the pandemic, alongside which the decision of the united kingdom to leave the European Union has also affected the worth of the Schengen visa dramatically. A recent press release made by the European Tour Operators association stated that the Schengen area countries may stand to lose billions of dollars if their borders are left unopened for a longer duration of time. However, as with all problems, the silver lining to this is that restrictions imposed on the receiving of Schengen visas will see relaxation as trading and open markets will be given obvious preference as the world slowly eases out of the lockdown phase, as saving the economy from going to recession will become the prime objective of governments.