A
A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa awarded to persons wishing to travel to one or many of the countries that make of the 26 European country Schengen Area. It grants (授予) each holder entry to all the countries in the area on a single visa. Several new Schengen visa application rules came into force in all countries on February 2, 2020. Check out some of the major changes:
Increased visa fees
The Schengen visa fee has increased from 60 euros to 80 for adults, while children aged between 6 and 12 now need to pay 40 euros instead of 35.
The rise in fees is to increase staff numbers, ensure stronger security screenings, and upgrade IT equipment and software, according to the European Commission.
Electronic application form
The application process has been greatly simplified. Schengen member states now accept electronic applications, and the application form can be signed and submitted electronically.
Longer application submission periods
Schengen visa applicants used to apply as early as three months ahead of their trip. Today applications can be submitted up to six months in advance.
Benefits for frequent travelers
Those who have previously visited the Schengen Area and have a positive visa history will be granted the opportunity to get a multiple-entry visa valid for up to five years. That is, people who have lawfully used their previous visas, have a good economic standing in their home countries, and intend to leave the area before their Schengen visa expires (过期) will now have the chance to get a visa for up to five years with multiple entries.
1. If a couple with a seven-year-old kid apply for Schengen visas, how much should they pay under the new rules?
A. 45 euros. B. 80 euros. C. 155 euros. D. 200 euros.
2. When applying for a Schengen visa now, you can .
A. upgrade your computer software
B. hand in an electronic application form
C. get all your materials ready before February 2
D. turn in your application 9 months in advance
3. To frequent travelers to the Schengen Area, the new rules are more .
A. specific B. complicated C. favourable D. rigid
【答案】1. D 2. B 3. C
【解析】
【分析】这是一篇应用文。文章是一则申根签证的广告启事，介绍了签证价格、电子设备、频繁来这里旅行可以享受的好处等。
【1题详解】
细节理解题。根据“The Schengen visa fee has increased from 60 euros to 80 for adults, while children aged between 6 and 12 now need to pay 40 euros instead of 35.”申根签证费成人从60欧元提高到80欧元，而6到12岁的儿童需要支付40欧元，而不是35欧元。可知，如果一对夫妇带着一个七岁的小孩来申请申根签证，他们按照新规要付80*2+40=200欧元。故选D项。
【2题详解】
细节理解题。根据“The application process has been greatly simplified. Schengen member states now accept electronic applications, and the application form can be signed and submitted electronically.”申请过程已大大简化。申根成员国现在接受电子申请，申请表可以通过电子方式签署和提交。可知，当你现在申请申根签证时，可以上交电子申请表。故选B项。
【3题详解】
细节理解题。根据“That is, people who have lawfully used their previous visas, have a good economic standing in their home countries, and intend to leave the area before their Schengen visa expires (过期) will now have the chance to get a visa for up to five years with multiple entries.” 也就是说，那些合法使用之前签证的人，在本国经济状况良好，并打算在申根签证之前离开该地区的人现在将有机会多次入境，获得长达五年的签证。可以看出，这些新规对于频繁去申根地区的人更加支持了，故选C项。
【点睛】细节理解题主要考查考生对某句话或某几句话的理解，同学们若能根据题干内容从原文中找到相关的句子，然后进行比较和分析，便可确定最佳答案。多数情况下，作者不会明确的呈现一个事实，读者需要根据已有的信息进行处理，读出言外之意。还要特别注意文章的时间顺序、故事发生的地点、情节的发展和人物之间的关系。例如，第2题，细节理解题。根据“The application process has been greatly simplified. Schengen member states now accept electronic applications, and the application form can be signed and submitted electronically.”申请过程已大大简化。申根成员国现在接受电子申请，申请表可以通过电子方式签署和提交。可知，当你现在申请申根签证时，可以上交电子申请表。故选B项。
