Schengen Visa
The current pandemic situation is still strongly affecting our daily lives, especially the travelling side of it. What started in 2020 seeming like a passing thing, is now going strong for the second year in a row and is nowhere near leaving the world in peace. Although, a loophole exists for every complicated situation and there is a way to safely get to Europe if you don’t want to cancel your vacation plans.
European Countries That Are Open for Travel
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 virus is holding on tight and has a strong grip on Europe to this moment. Parts of the U.K., Italy and France remain heavily affected with other countries following closely. The government authorities are working hard on controlling the spread of the virus and are cautiously lifting the quarantine to an extent.
As of this month, a new system of a red and non-red list has taken place. Meaning there are certain countries that are open for vaccinated travellers with minimal restrictions. You might be able to visit a non-red country and make your way to the one on the red-list if you really want to as long as you’re aware of the latter’s conditions for entry.
Here’s a few examples on the “green-list” that are safe to travel to right now:
- Malta
- Greece
- Italy (partially)
- Croatia
- Germany
- France
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Finland
- Netherlands
You may find the rest of the list on any official government website, e.g the Scottish Government portal.
Schengen Visa Document Requirements
First thing you could do if you’re planning a European vacation is to figure out your main country of stay. For instance, tourists planning a trip to Austria, Czech Republic and France should apply for a visa to the country they will come first to and/or stay the most at.
The usual document list for your application will look something like this:
- Completed visa application form
- A valid passport
- Old passports or copies with expired visas
- A trip itinerary and flight tickets
- An insurance that covers your stay
- A bank statement showing you have sufficient funds
- 2 high-quality EU visa photos of 35×45 to submit with the application
- OR: a letter from your sponsor with a bank statement enclosed
- Hotel or accomodation reservation confirmation
- Fee payment confirmation (€80 adult, €45 kids)
Having a vaccination certificate translated into the primary language of the country you’re applying to is required.
General COVID-19 Requirements
Travelling to the countries on the “non-red” list shouldn’t be an issue, especially if all required conditions are met. Rules to enter the Schengen Union are somewhat similar for all:
- Negative PCR test results. It must be taken no earlier than 72 hours before boarding
- A vaccination certificate that you must have on you at all times and a valid QR code (received on arrival)
- Once landed, another rapid PCR test must be taken to ensure the negative test results
- A 7-10 day quarantine for unvaccinated tourists or individuals who got only one dose of vaccination
See the European Commission website for additional info about travelling during pandemic.
As of late, the European Union has agreed to let fully vaccinated visitors travel freely no matter the risk levels.
Getting Your Visa Photo Done Right
It might come as a shock, but having an even slightly incorrect photo attached to your application can become a reason for rejection. Stay safe and get your images done faster and cheaper by using the online professional visa photo service. The best thing about it is there’s no reason to your leave home to take it.
The online photo booth can edit your image to fit the requirements of your country of choice, like Germany, it crops and removes the background without damaging the quality or your silhouette outline. While the photo centres are known to provide fully compliant images, you can get the same thing for half the price if you choose the online alternative. The sweet bonus being that you take your image yourself, knowing full well you will look gorgeous in it.
Long story short, the most important requirement to visit the Schengen countries is to stay healthy and vaccinated. What good will a decent image or an approved visa do if you can’t enjoy all the finest things your dream destination has to offer. Get the shot at least 2 weeks prior to your trip and keep up with the latest COVID news to truly enjoy your vacation.
