Switzerland has long been a dream destination for Indian travellers, attracting over a million visitors from the subcontinent in 2022 alone. However, a recent decision by the Swiss embassy in New Delhi to suspend Schengen visa applications for Indian tour groups until October 2023 has cast a shadow on the travel plans of many aspiring tourists.
So why the sudden suspension?
Simon Bosshart, the Head of Markets East at Switzerland Tourism, acknowledges the predicament.
The reasons for the suspension are:
1. A shortage of staff at Swiss embassies has unleashed a wave of delays, impacting not just Indian wanderers but also travellers from China. The high volume of visa applications from these countries has overwhelmed the Swiss embassies, leading to processing delays and challenges in handling the backlog.
2. The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role in disrupting visa processing, as embassies in China had to halt activities, leading to further delays.
3. "Visa shopping," is also a major challenge, where applicants apply to multiple countries for favourable processing times.
What is the Embassy stating?
The embassy is working to increase the number of visa officers in India so that it can resume normal processing of applications as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the embassy will only process visa applications for urgent travel, such as medical emergencies or family matters. All other applications will be rejected.
Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said that the country is currently processing 94 per cent of the visa applications that were made available in 2019.
How Does it Impact Indian Tourists?
1. Suspension of Schengen visa applications for Indians from August 1, 2023, to October 31, 2023, will significantly affect Indian travellers planning to visit Switzerland for tourism, business, or study purposes.
2. The situation is particularly challenging for travellers who have already made bookings and commitments for the upcoming months.
3. India is the fifth-largest source market for Swiss tourism, with over 1 million Indian nationals visiting Switzerland in 2022. The uncertainty surrounding the visa application process is likely to deter some tourists from pursuing their travel plans, casting doubt on the number of Indian visitors to Switzerland during this period.
4. Group tours from India to the Schengen area, especially Switzerland, represent the most profitable ventures for tour operators, the decision has led to widespread dissatisfaction among them as they are bound to face financial losses.
What is the process for visa application?
To obtain a Schengen visa for Switzerland, foreigners must submit various documents, including a completed application form, valid passport, travel insurance, accommodation proof, detailed itinerary, financial means proof, employment or enrollment evidence, and visa fee payment receipt.
Recommendations for Indian Travellers
- Indian travellers planning to visit Switzerland should contact the Swiss embassy in India for more information about the suspension of visa applications.
- You should also be aware that the suspension may be extended beyond October 31, 2023.
- In the meantime, if are unable to obtain a visa through the Swiss embassy in India may try to obtain a visa through another channel, such as the Swiss embassy in a neighbouring country.
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