On 2 February 2020, the amended Schengen Visa Code entered into force. These are the most important changes:

• The application can be filed from 6 months before the intended visit. Previously this was 3 months. 
• Visa fees are increased to: 
  • € 80 for the applicant
  • € 40 for children between the age of 6 and 12
  • Children younger than 6 are exempted from paying fees.

VFS Global charges a € 28 service fee.

Frequent travellers with a positive visa history are to be granted a multiple-entry visa with a gradually increasing validity period from 1 year to a maximum of 5 years.

The EC has published an extensive Q&A on the amended Visa Code, which you can find here.

If you have any questions regarding the amended Schengen Visa Code, please do not hesitate to contact Thomas van Houwelingen.