The EU has introduced temporary restrictions on visa rules for Somali citizens who require a visa to Schengen. The same restrictions have been in place for certain Gambian citizens since 2021. Below you will find information on the rules and exceptions.
- You must hand in all the documents listed in the checklist to the embassy. Even if you have been exempted from providing some documents in the past, for example, because you handed them in to the embassy earlier, you must still provide them now.
- Adults and children must pay the ordinary application fee. The fees apply even if you have been exempted from paying in the past, for example, because you have a diplomat passport or a service passport.
- The time you must wait for your visa decision has increased from 15 to 45 days.
- If you fulfil the requirements for the visitor visa, you will receive a visa for one entry only. You will not be able to obtain a visa for multiple entries.
Exceptions from the main rule
The new rules will not apply to you if you are
- a family member of an EU/EEA citizen, or
- invited by an international organisation, or
- to attend an international conference organised by a Schengen country