For those with a fondness for European holiday escapades, nothing can be better than getting a multi-year visa for up to five years.
However, despite the allure of long-term visas, the looming shadow of delayed appointments threatens to cast a shadow over summer vacations in Europe.
The availability of visa appointments for Schengen countries is a concern. Obtaining an appointment in a country other than the intended destination only adds to travel time, defeating the purpose of the new visa proposition. A majority of travellers who wish to travel abroad for vacations tend to plan and book their trips not more than two months in advance.
As a result of these challenges, travel companies estimate that a significant portion of summer travellers have diverted their plans away from Europe.
With visa-on-arrival options and direct air connectivity, countries in southeast Asia have emerged as attractive alternatives for travellers seeking hassle-free summer holidays. At least 50% travellers from Gujarat alone are diverting their trips to other destinations as they want to avoid the hassle of last-minute delays and cancellations. Besides the delay, the rejection ratio of Schengen visas is also high.
The failure to streamline visa application process for Schengen countries and address the backlog, will divert a significant portion of potential visitors and dampening the appeal of European destinations during peak travel seasons.
While this initiative may benefit seasoned travellers, it does little to address the immediate concerns of those planning spontaneous trips or seeking relief from visa appointment delays.
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