We have fantastic news for everyone who added a Europe trip to their bucket list for this year. From 2nd February onwards, anyone who is applying for a Schengen visa will be able to file his application 6 months in advance of their planned trip. Previously, Applicants are allowed to apply for the visa 3 months in advance. After the implementation of this new rule, travelers with a “positive history” can now apply for a visa for longer validity of one to five years.
The Schengen visa is necessary for more than 26 European countries, which includes Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Denmark, France, and Germany. While on the one hand, the European Union is simplifying the travel norms, but on the other hand, the cost for application will increase. The fees for a visa will increase €60 to €80 for grown-ups, and for the children in the age group of 6 to 12 it will rise from €35 to €40.
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An EU spokesperson in New Delhi said: “The new rules will provide faster and clearer procedures for legitimate travelers, in particular by allowing for applications to be lodged up to 6 months, and no later than 15 days, before the trip; providing for the possibility of the application form to be filled in and signed electronically and introducing a harmonized approach to the issuing of multiple-entry visas to regular travelers with a positive visa history for a period which increases gradually from 1 to 5 years.”
This move from the European Union will surely benefit the travellers, as they can plan their trip well in advance and can avoid the last-minute rush. So if you have a Euro Trip trip in your mind, you can now start planning one.