The Schengen Area is a zone consisting of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This area is named after the Schengen Agreement. The Schengen visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to travel freely within the 26 countries that make up the Schengen Area. However, as of 2 February 2020, new Schengen visa rules will go into effect.
What Are the New Schengen Visa Rules?
The new Schengen visa rules will affect people who want to visit the Schengen Area. These rules will apply to individuals from countries that do not have a visa-free agreement with the Schengen Area. The following are the new Schengen visa rules:
1. Increase in Visa Fees
The visa fee for adults will increase from €60 to €80. For children between the ages of 6 and 12, the visa fee will increase from €35 to €40.
2. Longer Processing Time
The new Schengen visa rules will result in a longer processing time for visa applications. The processing time will increase from 15 days to 30 days. This means that individuals who want to visit the Schengen Area will have to plan their trip well in advance.
3. Mandatory Health Insurance
One of the new Schengen visa rules is that individuals who want to visit the Schengen Area must have mandatory health insurance. This health insurance must cover at least €30,000 for medical expenses, including emergency hospital treatment and repatriation in case of death.
4. Biometric Data Collection
Another new Schengen visa rule is that biometric data collection will become mandatory. This means that individuals who want to visit the Schengen Area will have to provide their fingerprints and a digital photograph when they apply for a visa.
5. Visa Validity Period
The new Schengen visa rules will also affect the validity period of the visa. The validity period will be reduced from 5 years to 2 years. This means that individuals who want to visit the Schengen Area will have to apply for a new visa more frequently.
Why Were These New Schengen Visa Rules Implemented?
The new Schengen visa rules were implemented to improve security and prevent illegal immigration. The mandatory health insurance and biometric data collection will provide additional security measures. The longer processing time and increase in visa fees will reduce the number of visa applications and allow more time for thorough background checks.
Conclusion
The new Schengen visa rules will have an impact on individuals who want to visit the Schengen Area. The increase in visa fees, longer processing time, mandatory health insurance, biometric data collection, and reduced visa validity period are all changes that individuals will have to adapt to. However, these changes were implemented to improve security and prevent illegal immigration.
