What happens to my Schengen visa application being processed during coronavirus?
I submitted my application a week ago, before the COVID-19 pandemic was declared.
I am just wondering whether they can reject my application because of coronavirus, or would they still issue me a visa but advise me not to travel?
I had applied for the Netherlands.
Best Answer
This is a very dynamic and unprecedented situation, so nobody knows for sure what will happen. So below is more of an opinion rather than known fact.
As it currently stands, travel into the 26 EU states as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, is prohibited for 30 days and as such travel is banned for all non-EU citizens or residents (except UK citizens).
Assuming your travel request falls within this period then the following is likely.
- They could reject you current application and tell you to reapply in the future. That this rejection will not be looked upon negatively when you apply, and you should get a full refund of any fees paid.
- Or they could put your application on hold and ask you in the future if you wish to proceed or not with new dates. If not, then you would get a full refund.
- They could approve your visa, but issue it with different dates and/or an extended travel period. e.g. instead of 90 in 180 days, then 90 in 270 days.
If your travel request is for later than this period then the following could occur:
- Issue the visa but advise you that you will only be able to travel if the borders reopen. If the borders don't reopen in time, you have to apply again. You may or may not have to pay the fees again in such a case.
- Stop processing and ask you if you wish to postpone or withdraw your application, and refund the fees
- Stop processing temporarily. Continue processing when the situation improves, if your application is far enough in the future
- Reject the application, and tell you to reapply again when the situation is clearer. Refund the fees.
If the visa is rejected due to the Corona shutdown, then it will not be looked upon negatively when you apply again in the future and you should get a full refund.
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How long does a Schengen Visa take to be processed?
The Schengen visa processing time around the world is approximately two weeks. Still, depending on your case, your application may take longer to be processed. In specific cases, the embassies take 30 days to process a visa, whereas in extraordinary cases you will have to wait for 60 calendar days.How do you know if your Schengen Visa application is approved?
Check whether this service is available at the Schengen Visa Application Centre you are visiting. You can also track your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Schengen Visa Application Centre along with your last name to access this service.Can Schengen Visa be applied now?
Applying six months in advance of a trip is now possible While so far Schengen visa applicants could file an application ad early as three months in advance of their trip to the borderless Schengen area, now this rule has changed. The updated code makes it possible for travelers to apply six months before their trip.Does Schengen tourist visa get rejected?
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.When Can You Apply for a Schengen Visa Again After COVID-19
More answers regarding what happens to my Schengen visa application being processed during coronavirus?
Answer 2
I applied for Netherlands visa from Pakistan, today I received the passport with a visa for 45 duration Multiple entry until 22 May, 2020. I must say that they cannot reject the visa on the base of corona.
Answer 3
R.B, I also submitted my application last Friday in London for France and I got my passport today with a rejection piece of paper. I've had 5 Schengen visas in the past and I was surprised when I saw that it wasn't issued this time.
The piece of paper said that due to the current situation and the outbreak of the virus, the consulate decided to not issue the visa and the fees will not be reimbursed, which is absurd. Ideally they should have either put the application on hold or not issue the visa (understandable given the decision of the EU of closing the Schengen space) and refund the visa fees. Instead, I got the passport back and no refund.
I will be complaining to the embassy (I don't think TLS had anything to do with this) and I hope that they will either refund people or reprocess their applications in the future for no feed.
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