EUROPE VISA NEWS
Nordic "coolcations" turn up the chill factor
Cati Padilla and other tourists from southern Europe are increasingly opting for "coolcations" in Nordic countries like Norway and Sweden to escape the summer heatwaves. The trend is driven by a desire for cooler weather and less crowded destinations. Norway saw a 22% increase and Sweden an 11% rise in foreign overnight stays in 2023, influenced by the easing of Covid restrictions and fluctuating Scandinavian currencies.
This European nation now allows international students to work part-time for 90 hours per month
International students in Denmark can now work part-time for 90 hours per month. The Danish Immigration Service also allows them to work full-time for 90 hours in June, July, and August. Previously, foreign workers needed to extend their stay before their permits expired, with a maximum stay of 90 days within the last 365 days.
Indians spent over €12 million in rejected Schengen visa applications last year
In 2023, Indians faced high rejection rates for Schengen visas, resulting in a loss of €12.1 million. Schengen states rejected 1.6 million visa applications, generating €130 million. Indians, Turks, Algerians, Moroccans, and Chinese were among the most affected, with Indian and Turkish nationals experiencing the highest financial losses.
Germany: The top choice for obtaining multiple-entry Schengen Visa this year
The report suggests that Germany is the best option for obtaining a multiple-entry visa to enter Schengen Area countries, as it has a high rate of issuing such visas. In 2023, 90.4% of visas issued by German consulates were multiple-entry, only slightly lower than the previous year's rate of 90.6%. Out of the 1,459,560 visa applications received, Germany approved 1,233,561, with 1,115,424 being multiple-entry visas.
Swiftly Soaring: Taylor Swift's Eras tour sparks surge in European air travel for upcoming summer season
Taylor Swift's Eras tour is significantly impacting travel and the economy, causing a 25% increase in demand for flights to European destinations like Lisbon and Madrid. United Airlines and Delta plan to fly around three million passengers over Memorial Day weekend, a 5% rise from last year. Tourism is expected to surge as American fans flock to cheaper European concerts, with ticket prices exceeding $1,000 due to high demand and strict resale rules. Milan saw a 45% rise in passengers for Swift's July concert debut.
Indians' Europe travel plans in limbo this summer over Schengen visa slot shortage
Indians planning to visit the Schengen Area this summer are facing challenges in securing appointment slots for Schengen visas, leading to frustration and travel disruptions, as reported by Schengen News. Both applicants and travel agents have expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation, with some stating that appointments are unavailable until summer for most Schengen member states. Particularly for Germany and Italy, the earliest available appointment dates are in July, hindering travel plans for Indians aiming to visit the Schengen Area in June or July.
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Europe trips growing popular among Indians: Schengen visa applications surge by nearly 40%
The European Commission's recent report indicates a growing preference for European vacations among Indian travelers, with a notable 43% increase in Schengen visa applications from Indian nationals in 2023 compared to the previous year. Despite this surge, India maintained its third position in Schengen visa applications, with a total of 966,687 filings. Chinese nationals led in visa applications, with over 1.1 million filings, followed by Turks and Indians. Overall, Schengen visa applications surpassed 10.3 million in 2023, marking a 37% increase from 2022.
Portugal is facing suspension from the Schengen Zone. Here's what you need to know if you have a trip planned
Travelers eyeing Portugal must be aware of the EU's pressure on the country to implement a new border control system by July 2024, or face suspension from the Schengen Area. Delays attributed to bureaucratic hurdles and financial constraints highlight the urgency and potential impact on tourism and travel plans.
‘Digitalisation of Schengen Visa application will be a game changer’
Teodora Marinska, COO and Head of Public Affairs at the European Travel Commission, highlighted the benefits of digitizing the Schengen visa application process, making it easier for foreigners to access the bloc. The move aims to address challenges such as limited appointment slots and visa applications due to ease of procedures in certain embassies. Digitalization promises a seamless process with automated appointment allocation.
Paris, Milan become the new favourite shopping destinations for travellers after London's 'Tourist Tax'
After Brexit, the UK discontinued tax-free shopping incentives, leading thousands of tourists to redirect their shopping to Paris, Milan, and Madrid. Despite lobbying efforts, the UK remains steadfast in its decision. The shift has resulted in increased spending per person, particularly in France and Italy. While some argue the policy negatively impacts tourism, the UK government asserts it benefits public finances.
Uzbekistan positions itself as a regional investment hub
Uzbekistan positions itself as a regional investment hub amid reforms and a focus on the market economy, attracting foreign investments, including from India. The Third Tashkent International Investment Forum, held on May 2-3, aimed to boost investments. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated, along with representatives from various countries. The forum has become a platform for bilateral and multilateral investment cooperation.
Planning to travel to Europe? Schengen visa delays could be a hindrance
During the holiday season, travelers from Gujarat are drawn to the allure of the European summer, but they face frustration due to the Schengen visa application process. Delays in securing visa appointments, lasting up to two to three months, particularly affect those aiming for Scandinavian destinations. Despite providing all required documentation, obtaining appointments remains challenging, disrupting travel plans.
Canadian dream losing its charm? Decline in immigrants pursuing citizenship
A recent study by Statistics Canada reveals a 30% decline in citizenship rates among recent immigrants in Canada from 1996 to 2021, with the most significant drop observed in the last decade. Factors influencing this trend include income levels, education, and country of origin, with immigrants from East and Southeast Asia experiencing the largest declines.
Axis Bank stops redemption of credit card reward points earned by these customers; asks for proof of usages
Axis Bank credit card: Axis Bank has suspended redemption of credit card points for some customers as they suspect that its Atlas credit card was used in violation of its cardholder's agreement. According to the Bank, its senior level officers have found this out after a long investigation. However some customers allege that they did not violate the cardholder's agreement. Read here to find out what happened.
Indians in UAE to enjoy lower fares and faster Schengen visa processing time
Indian residents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) planning trips to Europe can now benefit from more affordable airfares and faster processing times for Schengen visas, with wait times averaging two weeks or less. During the recent winter travel season, there was a notable increase in UAE and GCC residents traveling to European holiday destinations.
Tourist tax & visa relaxations: Countries that made travel easy in 2023, and those that didn't
As the new year approaches, travelers heading to Schengen countries may face increased costs, with various European destinations implementing tourist taxes. In a contrasting move, many countries announced plans to cancel visa requirements for visitors.
Russian man reaches US without ticket, boarding pass, passport, or visa
A Russian man managed to board a US-bound flight from Europe without any ticket, passport, visa, or official record of his presence on the flight. An investigation is underway, and the man himself is confused about how he accomplished this feat. The incident came to light when customs officers discovered that the man's name was not on the list of passengers.
Good news for travellers to Europe! The Schengen visa is going digital
The change is expected to come into effect following technical work on the visa platform, which is anticipated to take several months, and subsequent publication in the EU's administrative gazette.
Netherlands to discontinue its Golden Visa programme from January 2024
Netherlands will discontinue its 'Golden Visa' program from January 2024.. Introduced in 2013 to stimulate economic growth, the program required foreign investors to contribute a minimum of €1,250,000 to Dutch businesses.
Dubai emerges as global hedge fund hotspot: A new financial powerhouse
Dubai is fast becoming a destination for global hedge funds, thanks to a strong talent pool and access to a growing asset base.
Paymate may soon refile IPO papers, looks to go global
The Mumbai-based fintech is reaping the benefits of enterprises taking all their B2B payments digital.
Europe's strikes could spell more flights havoc into summer
Flight cancellations and delays of over three hours in Europe were up over 2022 and 2019 over the Easter holiday weekend from April 5-11, most markedly in France and Britain, according to data from flight claim management firm AirHelp.
Charting the global economy: Inflation quickens in US, Europe
Inflation is also too high in Israel and New Zealand, where officials hiked rates this week. However, there was more promising news in some emerging economies as price growth slowed in Mexico, Brazil and Malaysia.
Despite visa delays, Germany attracts larger number of Indian students
In a recent development, DAAD has announced that an APS certificate is mandatory for Indian students and must be submitted with student visa applications from November 1, 2022. The certification will be provided to the students after their academic records are assessed by Germany’s academic evaluation.
Four nations bordering Russia to restrict Russian tourists
"We believe that this is becoming a serious threat to our public security and to the overall shared Schengen area," Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said on Thursday. "There are people coming with the aim of undermining the security of our countries."
'Invader go home': Another incident of racism against Indians reported, this time in Poland
Yet another video of Indians being attacked racially has emerged online, but this time in Poland. In the video, an Indian man is at the receiving end of racial taunts, being called a 'parasite' and a 'genocider'. The latest incident took place in Poland allegedly by an American in the European country. The attacker in the video identified him as an American and a "White".
Visa takes a big bet on commercial payments in India
Visa will explore long-term partnerships with fintechs to provide solutions to the entire value-chain of corporates and B2B suppliers, and may even look at investing in some fintechs, said Sandeep Ghosh, who was recently appointed as group country manager for Visa India and South Asia.
How Portugal became Europe's accidental 'bitcoin heaven'
Right now, Portugal is one of the last countries in Europe to regard them as currencies from a tax point of view, meaning profits from trading are not taxed. The finance ministry said in an interview that it was reviewing the situation and wanted a common European framework, but pressure is building for quick action.
COVID-19 related visa restrictions delay capacity expansions at metal manufacturing companies
JSW Steel, while announcing its December quarter results, said the $2 billion capacity expansion at Dolvi in Maharashtra will be delayed because of travel and visa restrictions for technicians from global capital equipment vendors in Europe and China.
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