In the past few weeks, countries across the globe have been putting up travel restriction in an effort to stop the further spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) – especially to foreigners coming from the most affected countries. As the coronavirus disease has become pandemic, the travel restrictions have tightened further. On Tuesday, March 17, all EU Member States approved a plan proposed by the EU Commission to shut down the external borders of the Schengen Area. This means no foreigners will be allowed into the Schengen Zone unless it is for essential travel.
And considering that Europe currently has the largest number of coronavirus infections outside China, a lot of non-EU countries have set their own travel restrictions against the bloc. And with more and more departing flights becoming cancelled, this puts foreign travellers that are currently in the EU in a difficult position, especially considering that many of them have entered the Schengen zone on a visa. Visas, as you know, have an expiration date and the holder faces penalties if they overstay.
What to Do If You Get Stuck in the EU Due to Coronavirus?
If you have entered the EU on a Schengen visa, and now your flight back home is cancelled due to coronavirus, there is no need to panic. You will very likely not face penalties for overstaying a Schengen visa during this time. If you are unable to leave before the expiration of your visa, you can simply apply for an extension at the competent authorities of the Member State where you are located. This is stated in Article 33 of the EU Visa Code:
“In case a visa holder who is already present on the territory of the Member States is unable to leave before the expiry of his visa for reasons of force majeure, humanitarian reasons or serious personal reasons, he should address the request for extension of the visa to the competent authorities of the Member State where he is present even if that is not the Member State whose consulate issued the visa.”
In the case of the coronavirus, the situation falls under force majeure, which is defined as a “last-minute change of flight schedule by the airline (e.g. due to weather conditions, strike, etc.)” You will not be charged to extend your visa due to force majeure.
So, even if you are currently not in the Schengen country that originally issued your visa, you can apply for a visa extension in the country you are currently in. You will receive a visa extension for up to a maximum stay of 90 days in any 180-day period free of charge. This should give you enough time to arrange a flight or other means of commercial transport out of the EU.
Stuck in the EU Due to Coronavirus and Visa-Free Stay Is About to Expire
If you are from a country that does not require a Schengen visa, the same principle due to force majeure will apply to you too. Generally, you are allowed to stay in a Schengen country without a visa for up to 90 days. If you have already exhausted these days, you can also approach the competent authorities of the Member State where you are located are apply for a long-stay visa to cover your prolonged stay until you are able to depart the Member State and return home.
Cancelled Flights Due to Coronavirus
If your flight is cancelled due to coronavirus while you are in the EU, you must contact your airline to inquire about rebooking or getting a refund. If you are travelling as part of an organized tour, contact your travel agency. You can also get in touch with your travel insurance provider since they can sometimes offer you assistance for emergencies abroad.
The coronavirus disease has spread so rapidly and widely so governments around the world are taking measures to prevent the situation from becoming worse. The main measure governments are taking to fight the virus is to restrict travel from the affected countries. This has led to a high number of cancelled flights, especially those departing EU countries, and travellers are being stranded abroad with no way to return home.
Because Europe has the highest number of reported coronavirus cases after China, several countries have banned any incoming flights from the affected EU countries, especially Italy, Spain, France, and Germany. Some countries such as the US have banned flights from all EU countries altogether at least until mid-April. If the situation continues to worsen, this timeframe could be prolonged.
Can I Leave EU by Land Border?
If you have means of transportation out of an EU country, you can leave provided that you are also leaving the Schengen Zone altogether. Keep in mind that a neighbouring Schengen State may not allow a non-EU national to enter. Additionally, if you are departing from a Schengen State with a high number of reported coronavirus cases (such as Germany or France), even if you leave the Schengen zone, you may not be able to transit through a country that has a restriction in place for the EU State you have just departed.
You will be allowed to enter your home country, of course. But you have to self-quarantine for at least two weeks, regardless of whether you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or not.
Πηγή: schengenvisainfo.com
