3 Simple Steps

Due to the coronavirus and in order to restrict the spread of the virus, all non-essential travels from all third countries to the Schengen Member States has been temporary suspended for a period of 30 days, from 16 March 2020.

This temporary travel restriction is not applicable to

• All EU citizens and citizens of the Schengen Associated States, and their family members;
• third-country nationals who are long-term residents under the Long-term Residence Directive and persons deriving their right to reside from other EU Directives or national law or who hold national long-term visas.

From this moment onwards only a very limited amount of travelers with an essential function or need can apply for a visa:

• Healthcare professionals, health researchers, and elderly care professionals;
• Transport personnel engaged in haulage of goods and other transport staff to the extent necessary;
• Diplomats, staff of international organizations, military personnel and humanitarian aid workers in the exercise of their functions;
• Passengers in transit;
• Passengers travelling for imperative family reasons;
• Persons in need of international protection or for other humanitarian reasons.

Please note that VFS is currently keeping the visa applications centers open. Visa-applications that do not fit the above exceptions will not be accepted and processed.