SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION
BLS International joins hands with Poland embassy for visa outsourcing services in Philippines
BLS International has signed a contract with the Embassy of Poland in the Philippines to provide visa outsourcing services, marking a significant step in streamlining the visa application process for travellers to Poland from the Philippines. The agreement includes managing both Schengen and National visa applications, which can be submitted at two visa centres in Manila and Cebu.
Obtaining a German citizenship becomes easier: All about the new changes
Germany's new citizenship law, effective June 27, allows foreigners in Germany to obtain citizenship faster without giving up their original nationality. It aims to increase eligibility for citizenship, expecting a rise in naturalization figures in 2024. Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized adherence to German values while rejecting discriminatory behaviors.
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.
10 reasons your Schengen Visa could be rejected
Applying for a Schengen visa can be a complex process, and avoiding common pitfalls is crucial to ensure a smooth application experience. Here are ten mistakes applicants should steer clear of.
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.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Schengen Visa applications?
Understanding visa requirements is crucial when planning a trip to Europe. To visit any of the 27 countries in the Schengen Area, a Schengen visa is mandatory, requiring financial stability and travel insurance for Indian citizens.
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Schengen visas get costlier by 12% after European Union hikes fee
The fee hike comes after the Schengen Visa Code mandated every three years revision of EU visa fees in December 2023. The EU justifies the rise by pointing to inflation and the pay of civil officials. The last increase in fees was from €60 to €80 in February 2020.
Portugal to use golden visa scheme to help migrants, build affordable homes
Portugal plans a 'solidarity visa' to allow wealthy foreigners to invest in affordable housing for locals or migrants, complementing the golden visa scheme attracting over 7.3 billion euros since 2012.
Poland increases National Visa application fee by €55
Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has increased the national visa application fee to €135 from €80 starting June 1, 2024. The Schengen visa fees remain unchanged. The adjustment aims to manage migration pressure and ensure foreigners comply with their stated purpose of stay.
Bonjour! Pointers to start your French higher education
France has announced a plan to triple the number of Indian students by 2030, aiming to welcome around 30,000 students within six years. This initiative enhances France's appeal as a destination for global education, attracting students with its multiculturalism and academic prestige. However, studying in France differs significantly from anglophone countries due to language and cultural differences.
Indian entrepreneur shares plight of Schengen Visa delays, says even Rs 4 lakh and months of waiting aren't enough
An Indian investor based in London, Aashima Arora, missed an international flight despite spending over Rs 4 lakh and waiting months for a Schengen visa to visit Denmark. Arora, a venture capitalist at LocalGlobe, expressed frustration over the lengthy visa process, highlighting the impact on her business plans. The wait time for Schengen visas remains particularly high for Indian travelers.
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.
Venice made $1 mn from the implementation of €5 Tourist Tax in April
Venice has responded to concerns about over-tourism by introducing a ticketing system for day visitors since last month. Reports indicate that nearly one million euros were collected within the first 11 days of implementing the tax. From April 25 to May 5, approximately 195,000 tickets were sold, generating €975,000, though this amount falls short of covering the expenses incurred in setting up the system. After the trial period, the daily fee is expected to increase to €10, with fines ranging from €50 to €300 for those without tickets.
Delays in Schengen visa appointment prompt Indians to change course to Georgia, Japan
For the third consecutive year, delays in Schengen visa appointments have led Indian travelers preparing for their summer vacations to explore alternative destinations. Industry executives note a growing trend of Indian holidaymakers turning to countries like Georgia, Australia, and Japan, which offer simplified visa procedures. Particularly noteworthy is Georgia's e-visa system. According to Rajeev Kale, President of Holidays at Thomas Cook (India), demand for Georgia has skyrocketed by an impressive 600% year-on-year.
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.
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.
‘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.
Visa time for Europe-bound travellers unlikely to fly soon
The European Union announced Monday that, according to the new "cascade" regime, Indians can now be issued long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after having obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years. The Schengen visa is an entry permit valid for 29 European countries, including France, Germany, Spain and Italy.
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.
Italy's digital nomad visa is now open for applicants, and you get to bring your family
Italy has rolled out its digital nomad visa for global professionals, requiring specific criteria like income, insurance, and work experience. The initiative aligns with growth efforts, offering 1 euro homes to counter underpopulation and contrasting with the reduction of 'golden visas' in Europe.
Planning your next international holiday? VFS Global addresses your biggest visa worries
When planning travels, consider visa timeline. Most countries accept applications 90 days before travel. Revised Schengen Visa Code allows applying 6 months before with VFS Global assistance during peak tourist season.
Apply for visas in advance: VFS Global tells travelers as demand spikes
Visa application volumes from New Delhi grew by 10% YoY in 2023, reaching 82% of pre-pandemic levels. India recorded a 16% YoY increase. Popular destinations for travelers from India included Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, UK, and the US.
European holiday in mind? Your Schengen visa may soon cost you more
The European Commission has proposed raising the fees for Schengen visas, impacting both adults and children. The adjustment would see fees increase to 90 euros for adults and 45 euros for children. The proposal also introduces higher fees for countries deemed uncooperative in accepting expelled citizens back from member states.
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.
Finland increases financial requirement for Schengen visa applicants
Travelers will now have to show a minimum of 50 euros for each day spent in Finland, marking an increase of 20 euros from the previous requirement. This 66% hike comes in response to escalating living costs, the ministry said.
France becomes first European country to issue digital Schengen visas
Athletes and officials holding a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa won't need to apply for a separate French Schengen visa. Instead, they can use their existing visa, emphasizing the necessity of obtaining accreditation for the games.
Venice will limit tourist groups to 25 people starting in June
This announcement follows the city's previous disclosure of plans to trial a new day-tripper fee this year. Set at 5 euros ($5.45) per person, the fee will be applicable on 29 peak days between April and mid-July, primarily during weekends. The objective is to regulate crowds, encourage longer visits, and ultimately enhance the overall quality of life for Venice residents.
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.
These countries have issued the most number of Schengen visas ever
According to a report by SchengenVisaInfo, except for the inaugural year in 2009 when Germany momentarily led in visa issuance, France has consistently proven itself as the unrivaled leader in this historical trend. Even in the initial year, Germany only outpaced France by just 80,000 visas.
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