Croatia may be gorgeous in June, when the kids have their summer vacation, but if you have just started planning your holiday, it may just be too late for you to hang out on the Adriatic Sea. There is no visa slot open for the next two months. The same holds for several European countries, where delays and strict document requirements leading to rejections, are leaving both travellers and travel agents exasperated and people venting out their frustration on Visa providers for alleged delays.While post-Covid revenge travel, especially to international destinations, continues to hit the roof, getting the Schengen visa has become a problem—especially for certain countries.
Take the case of Croatia, which has become a popular destination and became part of the Schengen agreement last year. “We regularly check for appointment availability and have not been successful in catching even one slot since the beginning of 2024,” says visa and immigration consultant Cyrus Sethna. “If an appointment is miraculously secured, the visa process takes a staggering 60 days before the passport is returned to the traveller.” Dates for Iceland are also not available.
A leading Visa provider firm in India – is facing the heat of customers over the delays.
Travel agents say that people who have been rejected or have not found an opening to apply, are forced to lie about their destinations and sometimes go via the Scandavian countries where slots tend to be more available. But, warns a travel agent, know that you can’t apply to Norway if you really want to go to Spain, because they are geographically too far apart and it is likely that you might get caught out. There’s also a parallel system where some visa agents charge double the price and somehow procure a slot.
“VFS Global does not control processing timelines of visa applications, neither does it control appointment availability. These are governed and controlled by our client governments,” says a VFS Global spokesperson.
“Applicants are advised to beware of fraudulent entities who charge fees from customers for scheduling appointments, using VFS Global’s name or independently.”
Greece is a bit of a hit and miss, say travel agents, pointing out that last year it had halted visa applications for the entire month of May. While some visas are processed quickly, in certain instances, they can take up to six weeks, with no option for expedited service. Another travel agent points out that her client had booked an island-hopping trip in Greece for her family, but the visas got declined and she eventually applied for a Schengen from Hungary, even though Budapest was afar cry from the Grecian agenda. It also was a needlessly additional cost for the family of four.
Solo travellers constitute the majority, representing approximately 65 per cent of visa applications in the UAE, 60 per cent in Egypt, 40 per cent in Singapore, and 45 per cent in Vietnam. Groups of two travellers make up around 20 per cent in the UAE, 30 per cent in Egypt, 25 per cent in Singapore, and 20 per cent in Vietnam.
Last year, Italy opened no appointment slots the entire summer. However, this year they have been lenient, allowing quick appointments to those who have previously held a Schengen visa. But if there is no prior visa, thenthere are virtually no dates. Spain has been fairly consistent about giving visas, but as of now, there are no appointment slots.
Before March, things were quite easy and we were getting slots but suddenly they seem to have disappeared, says travel agent Vipul Bhuva. “I had booked so many tickets thinking that the client wo-uld get the visa and now we have to change the itinerary. But it causes too much anxiety.” Main problem countries tend to be Spain, Italy, France and Switzerland because they are more popular among Indian tourists.
The pile-ups and confusion are forcing vacationers to look at other destinations. Despite the heat, some are op-ting for Asia trips which might take them to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, or travelling to African countries, both of which have eased their visa requirements. Australia and New Zealand are too far. “Pre-Covid, if you wanted to travel in May, you could apply in April, and you’d be fine,” says Sethna. “Clearly, consulates and embassies are not able to keep up with the numbers which are going up every year.”
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You can travel around the most dazzling cities in Europe and feel like your dream comes true after landing down the Europe’s paradise. If you want a proper guide to travel around Europe so, here is bucket lists of famous tourist attractions in Europe include:
The 15 Top Destinations to Visit in Europe
1. Paris, France
Paris is one of the most popular destinations in Europe country where visitors can discover multiple activities at a time such as have delicious cuisines in luxury hotels, explore wonderful history, art, culture, and magnificence will be found at every corner of this place. For bike lovers, enjoy a bike tour in this city as well.
2. Florence, Italy
Italy is a destination that cannot be overlooked when you visit Europe and there are lots of things to do in Italy. Seeing the art and history are completely unavoidable at this place and you can also go to food tours even this is one of the most preferred journeys by travellers. And Florence is an exquisite destination that reveals rich gems of Tuscany.
3. Santorini, Greece
The one of topmost holiday sites in the world is Europe. Without a doubt, you can travel all over the caldera sights which are truly impressive. One can enjoy black volcanic beaches, hikes, boat tours, local wines, and stay in royal hotels located nearby the Mediterranean.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Make the most of travel around Europe and this place is packed with magnificent tourist spots such as city centre and other amazing places to travel here. The destination is strikingly encircled with luxury cafes, restaurants, incredible museums, and verdant parks.
5. London, England
When it comes to travel around London so, the place is fun0filled with superlative destinations and impressive museums. Also, walk around the bustling markets, shops, , cafes, and restaurants. Never forget to explore the most popular sites in local London.
6. Barcelona, Spain
The most sought-after destinations in Europe are undoubtedly a Spain. Spain is truly crammed with lip-smacking cuisines, dazzling nightlife, immaculate art, architecture, and astounding travel spots which make Spain an incredible vacation trip for you.
7. Rome, Italy
Wonderfully travel all over the Europe country but don’t forget to make your trip in Rome destination where you can see Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, The Colosseum, Pantheon, Sistine Chapel, Spanish Steps, and the Vatican. Rome is beautifully jam-packed with fabulous destinations such as shops, cafes, and so amazing neighbourhoods.
8. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is one of the cold destinations Europe. The mesmerizing place is crowded with a complete enthralling nightlife, cafes, and restaurants. The Blue Lagoon, whale tours, and explore all about lavish scenery in the day tours in Europe.
9. Edinburgh, Scotland
Breathe long in the breath-taking destination of elegant castles, glorious past, prominent landscape, and up to date Scottish life in Edinburgh one can enjoy flawlessly.
10. Prague, Czech Republic
Perfectly crafted charming European city is only and only Prague and this is a tourist destination where one can explore the fantastic tourist spots and great activities. There are countless things to do at this destination.
11. Galway, Ireland
Galway is a destination in Europe where you will feel you have come in Ireland. The city has its own charms and energetic vibe along with lots of things to enjoy in Galway.
12. Nice, France
Nice in France comes as a top destination in Europe where a person can discover South France with its mesmeric city’s destinations. France is a home to travel in Monaco, Cannes, Lyon, and also find innumerable beaches in the Mediterranean beach.
13. Istanbul, Turkey
Enjoy your holiday trips Europe’s one of the popular destinations in Istanbul, Turkey and visitors gather at this beautiful destination to views it charming historical sites.
14. Naxos, Greece
The outstanding seashores and stunning beaches in Greece will truly leave an unforgettable mark in your mind. However, the island is magnificently packed with all appealing townships and impressive villages.
15. Agriturismo Farm Stay in Italy
This best of Europe’s place is Agriturismo Farm Stay in Italy. You can come to the farm in Italy. This is a destination that splendidly ideal for the global tourists and all couples can come to enjoy their honeymoon. The couples and families come to this place to stay and enjoy having yummiest meals per day.
Enjoy your vacations in European destinations.
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