As summer approaches, many Indians are facing significant challenges in securing Schengen visas for travel to Europe.
A shortage of appointment slots has
caused frustration among both travelers and travel agents, with many unable to
find available slots until July, particularly in countries like Germany and
Italy. This shortage has forced many to postpone or cancel their travel plans.
The Impact
The lack of available slots is causing
widespread disruption. Both individual travelers and travel agents are
expressing dissatisfaction with the situation, urging authorities to address
the issue.
New Visa Rules
Despite these challenges, recent changes
to visa regulations might offer some relief in the future. The European
Commission has introduced a new regime allowing Indian nationals to obtain
long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas with extended validity, simplifying the
process for frequent travelers.
While the current shortage of visa slots
is causing immediate travel disruptions, the introduction of new visa
regulations offers hope for easier travel in the future. Addressing the
appointment slot shortage remains crucial for ensuring smooth travel plans for
Indian tourists this summer.
