Turkish Tourism President Alleges Schengen Visa Black Market
Firuz Bağlıkaya, President of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), has strongly criticised the scarcity of Schengen visa appointments in Turkey. He alleges that organised groups are using automated programs, or “bots,” to block available slots at visa centres, which are then illegally sold on a black market for up to 1,000 euros.
This alleged practice makes it extremely difficult for ordinary travellers, including Turkish citizens and foreign residents, to secure visas for travel to the Schengen Area. Bağlıkaya states that a system designed for fairness and accessibility is now being exploited for significant financial gain, at the expense of legitimate applicants.
The scarcity of official appointments and the existence of a black market force many travellers into a frustrating dilemma: either pay exorbitant black market prices or postpone their travel plans. This not only burdens individual travellers but also negatively impacts Turkey’s tourism industry by reducing outbound travel opportunities.
The situation demands an urgent resolution to ensure the visa application process is fair and transparent for all. Travellers from Turkey planning trips to Europe are advised to be aware of these challenges and plan well in advance, despite the ongoing uncertainty regarding appointment availability.
Source: Turizmekonomi
