Schengen Visa Delays Impacts Diwali Travel

Europe has been a favored holiday destination for many Indians, especially Gujaratis. However, the prolonged delays in obtaining Schengen visas have thrown a wrench into the travel plans of many individuals looking forward to spending their Diwali holidays in Europe. This article delves into the challenges faced by travelers and how it is affecting their choices and costs.

Visa Delays Leave Travelers in a Dilemma

• Every year, around 3 lakh people from Gujarat travel to Europe for vacations.
• The extended delay in getting Schengen visa appointments is causing uncertainty among travelers.
• Travelers are forced to reconsider their plans or pay hefty sums for expedited visa services.
• Some travelers are paying as much as Rs 10,000 per person for doorstep visa services.
• Families of four may end up paying an extra Rs 40,000 for visa expedited services.

Ragini Shah's Dilemma: An example of a traveler's predicament.

• Ragini Shah and her group of ten friends and family have already booked tickets for Europe.
• Visa appointments are not available with less than two months until Diwali.
• The uncertainty is making them rethink their plans or opt for costly doorstep services.

Doorstep Visa Services: A Costly Alternative

• Doorstep visa services are an option, but they come with certain conditions.
• A minimum number of persons is required to avail these services.
• There is no guarantee of getting the visa, as Schengen visa rejection rates are notably high.
• Travel operators are unable to capitalize on the peak Diwali holiday booking season due to visa delays.

Ankit Bajaj's Perspective: Insights from an Ahmedabad-based travel company owner.

• The rejection ratio for Schengen visas is high, making the doorstep service risky.
• Visa delays are hampering travel operators' ability to benefit from the festive season.

Diwali Holiday Bookings on the Rise

• Diwali falling on a Sunday with Labh Pancham on a Saturday offers a 9-10 day holiday period.
• Long-haul destinations like Europe, Australia, and New Zealand are preferred during this time.
• Overall, Diwali holiday bookings have increased by 25% compared to the previous year.

Virendra Shah's Perspective: Insights from the Chairman of the Travel Agents' Association of India (TAAI).

• Demand for countries like Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland remains strong.
• Visa delays are causing travelers to reconsider their itineraries and even switch destinations.
• Last-minute changes in flight bookings can be costly and inconvenient.

Diversification of Travel Destinations

• The turnaround time for visa processing for various international destinations has increased.
• Travelers are exploring alternative destinations due to Schengen visa uncertainties.
• High demand is observed for destinations such as Egypt, Dubai, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Bali, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, and even Finland.

Conclusion

The extended delays in obtaining Schengen visas are significantly impacting Diwali travel plans for Indian tourists, particularly those from Gujarat. 

Travelers are faced with difficult choices, either rethinking their itineraries or incurring additional expenses for expedited visa services. As a result, alternative destinations are gaining popularity among those seeking to make the most of their Diwali holidays.