A recent enlightenment by SchengenVisaInfo.com highlights a growing phenomenon in the context of long waiting times for Schengen visas: "visa shopping". This trend, which consists of applicants applying for a Schengen visa in a particular country while intending to travel primarily to another, appears to be a direct response to the complexity and length of visa application procedures at some consulates and embassies.
Delays in Schengen visa appointments have led applicants to seek alternatives, even if these involve concealing or providing inaccurate information about their main destination or the purpose of their trip, a step deemed illegal by Schengen countries. Although the possible consequences are severe, including refusal of entry into the Schengen area, "visa shopping" persists, offering an outlet against long waiting times and cumbersome administrative procedures.
Testimonials: Between Convenience and Consequences
Some Schengen visa applicants, wishing to remain anonymous, have confirmed that they have practised "visa shopping" in the past, and have not ruled out the idea of using this method again in the future if it proves more practical. One of them, identified by the initials B.R., admitted to having applied for a Schengen visa for Poland before traveling to other countries in the Schengen zone, because of the ease and speed of obtaining appointments at the Polish embassy. Although aware of the risks, he and his family opted for this option rather than alter their entire journey.
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However, this practice was not without consequences. When B.R. and his family next applied to the same embassy, they were granted visas valid for only seven days, instead of the year they had hoped for.
The risks of Visa Shopping
While some consciously choose to indulge in "visa shopping" despite the known risks, others seem unaware of the potential negative repercussions. The Swiss Embassy in India and Bhutan warns that anyone breaking the rules could be refused entry on arrival in Switzerland, or any other country in the Schengen zone.
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To combat the difficulties in obtaining appointments, the Swiss Embassy has expanded its capacity in India, offering almost 800 appointments daily until the end of September, and has opened a new visa application center in Lucknow, bringing the total to 13 centers across India.
Statistics on Schengen Visa Applications
Although all 27 Schengen countries issue Schengen visas, statistics show that France, Spain and Germany received the highest number of applications last year, with respectively 1,918,515, 1,197,457, and 1,043,297 applications in 2022.
Yet not all member states have the same rejection rates. Data indicates that Iceland, Lithuania, and Latvia topped the list of countries with the lowest rejection rates in 2022, making it potentially easier to obtain a visa in these nations. In contrast, Malta, Sweden, Belgium and France had the highest rejection rates in the same year.
Conclusion
The phenomenon of "visa shopping" raises worrying issues, not only for Schengen visa applicants, but also for the member countries of the Schengen territory. As applicants feel compelled to maneuver through long waiting times and restrictive policies, Schengen nations face challenges in terms of security and migration flow management.
This issue is not limited to a simple anecdote, but is part of a broader and more complex web of visa policies and procedures, refusals and migration management in the Schengen area, as illustrated by various articles on the subject.
Schengen visa application rejected, here is the procedure for appealing against the decision
If you are refused a Schengen visa, there are ways of contesting the decision and asserting your rights. One option is to lodge an appeal with the consulate, requesting a review of the refusal decision. If this procedure is unsuccessful, you can also appeal to the "Commission de recours contre les décisions de refus de visa d'entrée en France" or its equivalent in the Schengen country where you applied for your visa....
- Refusal of Schengen visas Schengen: Explore the statistics and implications of the significant rise in Schengen visa refusals in 2022 in our detailed article, with a special focus on the situation in Algeria. Read the article.
- Visa policy in Portugal Discover Portugal's visa alternatives, following the end of the Golden Visa, in a context of significant changes in the country's visa policy. Read the article.
- Scanning the Visa Application The digitization of the Schengen visa application has brought many changes for applicants, offering a simplified procedure and personalized follow-up. Read the article.
- Visa fight Syk Sykt's testimonial provides a note of hope and perseverance in the often demotivating context of Schengen visa applications. Read the article.
The above list is just a small sample of the nuances and challenges that applicants and governments face in the Schengen visa system. Whether it's the end of certain visa programs, the transition to digitization, or the personal challenges of applicants, each element brings a new perspective and new challenges.
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