European Countries Implement New Visa Measures After Alleged Fraud…
Germany, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, and Austria have implemented new measures regarding Schengen visa applications from Turkey. This follows allegations of widespread abuse in the booking system for visa appointments, including the use of automated programs (bots) to secure slots and their subsequent resale on a black market.
These issues have created significant frustration and difficulties for thousands of legitimate applicants seeking to travel from Turkey to the Schengen area. The reported black market trade has led to appointments being sold at inflated prices, making it costly and challenging for ordinary travellers to access necessary appointments through official channels.
The accusations suggest organised systems where bots rapidly fill available visa appointment slots as soon as they are released. These illicitly captured appointments are then reportedly sold on an illegal market, effectively blocking access for many bona fide applicants and causing long waiting times and uncertainty.
The European countries’ response aims to counter this bot activity and reduce the illegal resale of visa appointments. The goal is to restore integrity to the visa system, ensuring a fairer, more transparent, and accessible application process for all legitimate travellers.
Source: Turizmekonomi
