Can 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic be a reason for refusal for my Schengen visa application? [closed]
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I'm planning a trip to the Netherlands mid-April, and I've already made reservations. I understand that because of the current coronavirus pandemic, I may have to postpone my trip or cancel it entirely.
However, instead of deciding now, I'd like to decide later (in April) if I should continue with my trip plans or cancel it (depending on travel advisories issued by my country (India) and the Netherlands, which would apply at that time). Which requires that I proceed with my visa application now (as I must apply at least 15 working days earlier). I understand that it is quite likely that I may have to cancel or postpone my trip (the global travel situation seems unlikely to get better by next month, but I want to stay optimistic, or at least not regret that I could have applied for visa in March if situations in mid-April do get favourable for a trip).
My concern is if the current coronavirus pandemic can be cited as a reason for visa refusal by the Netherlands embassy. I.e., does the current pandemic increase the likelihood of visa refusal when compared to normal circumstances? Are there any rules in visa policy of Schengen Area that concern with situations like this?
UPDATE: To clarify, my concern here is if the current pandemic will increase the likelihood of visa refusal. (Whether or not I'll be able to travel to the Netherlands in April is a different issue). The reason I'm separating these two concerns is because with new EU visa rules, I may qualify for a long validity visa (as I've been issued multiple Schengen visas in past), so if in the unfortunate case I've to postpone my April trip, I can do so & re-plan on a much shorter notice. Whereas if I don't apply for a visa now and do so later, I'll have to plan for weeks in advance again (as I must apply for a visa 15 working days / 3 weeks in advance).
UPDATE: If the Netherlands issues a travel restriction in near future, will that result in a visa refusal or application rejection?
UPDATE: I decided to not apply for the visa and cancelled my travel plans.
Best Answer
There are restrictions in place, but AFAIK no current restrictions for Indian citizens/residents applying for Dutch visa. On the other hand, the Czech Republic closed their visa processing centers in China and Hong Kong several weeks ago, effectively preventing residents of China from applying for a Czech visa. It is at the moment difficult to predict what happens tomorrow or in the next days, but it is of course not impossible, that more Schengen countries will follow and impose restrictions on visa issuance.
Independent of the visa, it may also by mid-April be impossible to travel to the Netherlands. Several Schengen countries have today or in the past few days established very strict travel regulations or bans, effectively preventing many or most tourists and visitors from entering.
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What are the reasons for rejection of Schengen Visa?
Your Schengen visa will be denied if the authorities believe you cannot afford your travel and living expenses in the Schengen area. In order for you visa application to be successful, you must successfully demonstrate that you can afford food, housing, travel, and all other costs associated with their trip.What happens if my Schengen Visa refused?
If your Schengen Visa is refused, you will receive a form that indicates the time you have to appeal the decision. If you do not appeal within this time frame the decision won't be reversed.Can I get Schengen Visa now?
COVID-19 restrictions have hindered many travel plans. However, there is good news for those planning to travel soon. Over the past few months, plenty of Schengen Countries have reopened their application centers abroad. Meaning Indian travelers can finally apply for their Schengen Visas.Do embassies know about visa refusal in other countries?
The embassy doesn't track your refusal, CLASS does. That's a database accessible to every American consular officer in the world at the click of a mouse, so it's not just the embassy where the visa refusal takes place.REASONS WHY SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATIONS GET REJECTED (Highly requested)
More answers regarding can 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic be a reason for refusal for my Schengen visa application? [closed]
Answer 2
As far as I can see, both in the Schengen Border Code and Visa Code Handbook, the term threat to public health is only applied against an applicant as reason not to grant a visa or entry (i.e. the applicant is the cause of the threat) .
In the scenario that the Schengen Area itsself poses a threat to public health (to which a visitor would count as someone being threatened), would be a valid reason not to let visitors enter or refuse to accept a visa application. But I could find no statement that explicitly states this.
The travel history of a visitor should not be disadvantaged by such a refusal.
Article 2 Definitions
...
21. ‘threat to public health’ means any disease with epidemic potential as defined by the International Health Regulations of the World Health Organization and other infectious diseases or contagious parasitic diseases if they are the subject of protection provisions applying to nationals of the Member States.
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What do the travel restrictions within the EU as well as to the Netherlands mean for me as a traveler?
The Dutch government has adopted the decision of the EU to tighten the entry conditions of persons wishing to travel to the Netherlands from third countries, until 15 May 2020.
You should assume that this ban will be extended by a further 30 days.
Can I still apply for a visa?
No, at the moment it is not possible to lodge a visa application.As a visa holder I have obtained a valid visa before the entry ban. Can I travel to the Netherlands?
No, you cannot enter unless you fall under the category of exceptions of the travel ban.
Sources:
Answer 3
No, from visa perspective, it won’t affect your case. However, there maybe some travel restrictions in-place.
Answer 4
Whatever happens, if you apply right now, your chances of getting a visa will be best. If your application is rejected because of Coronavirus fears, that wouldn't be held against you in the future.
Obviously having a visa will not guarantee that you can enter the Netherlands. There might be no flights.
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