Swiss Embassy Halts Schengen Visa Applications from Indian Tour Groups
Switzerland has put a temporary halt to accepting Schengen visa applications from Indian tour groups, advising travel operators to reschedule group tours due to an overwhelming surge in visa requests.
Visa Application Deluge Prompts Swiss Embassy’s Move
Amidst a deluge of visa requests, the Swiss embassy in New Delhi, India, made a significant decision on July 19, instructing tour operators to refrain from submitting Schengen visa applications. The reason behind this decision is the immense volume of visa applications that have inundated the embassy.
Visa Processing on Pause Until September
The Swiss embassy’s capacity to process group travel visa applications has reached its limits, leading to a suspension of new applications until at least September. Swiss tour operators in India have been advised to postpone group tours to a later date. The objective is to ensure that visa applications can be submitted, processed, and visas issued well in advance of scheduled travel.
Summer Surge and Staffing Constraints Compound Issue
The timing of this visa application halt coincides with the period when tour operators typically receive a surge of visa requests from travelers seeking to explore cooler destinations during the summer season. This decision has left travel operators dissatisfied, especially as group tours abroad are lucrative in the Indian market.
Staffing Shortage Challenges Embassy Operations
Simon Bosshart, Head of Markets East at Switzerland Tourism, acknowledged the issue and highlighted that Swiss embassies are grappling with staff shortages, contributing to the delay in visa processing.
Visa Backlog Rooted in Pandemic Impact
Reports indicate a backlog of visa applications across Schengen countries, a situation exacerbated by staff reductions during the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent delays in rehiring. Germany, France, and Italy are among the countries still confronting delays in processing visa applications, leading to applications being put on hold.
The Schengen Area and Visa Essentials
Switzerland, though not a member of the European Union (EU), belongs to the Schengen area, which encompasses countries that have abolished internal border controls. This necessitates Indian travelers to obtain a Schengen visa for visiting Switzerland.
Understanding Schengen Visas and Their Purpose
The Schengen visa, designed for short stays, allows individuals to travel within the Schengen Area for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days. This EU passport-free zone encompasses most European countries, constituting the largest free travel region globally.