(TAN): China has advised its citizens stranded in Europe’s Schengen Area to not transit two of its countries consecutively as the move could attract penalties.
The Chinese Embassy in Ireland made this announcement on its website, and is intended for those Chinese residents who are unable to come out of the 26 European states owing to border closures and other travel restrictions caused by COVID-19.
“At present, the European Union has imposed entry restrictions on the response to the new coronary disease, even a valid Schengen visa cannot grant you access to the transit channel within the Schengen area, which will result in detention or deportation,” the embassy said.
The embassy also reminded its citizens that while transiting they have to leave a Schengen country within 24 hours, after which they run the risk of being deported.
“If you have more than 24 hours or if you have checked baggage [in Belgium], you must apply for a visa in advance; otherwise you will be deported. Other Schengen countries have similar requirements. Please check carefully before purchasing air tickets,” it added.
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People from all over the world were stuck on foreign shores after the pandemic affected international travel. Several countries have operated repatriation flights since to bring back their citizens home – the European Union, after establishing a Consular Coordination Task Force, has brought back home over half a million of its citizens since March.
Schengen Area implies a zone of 26 European countries, covering most of the European Union. These countries, under the Schengen Agreement, have abolished their borders to facilitate free movement of people.
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