Swiss Embassy Imposes Visa Application Limit for Group Travel

Earlier this month, a lot of tour operators were met with a notification from the Swiss embassy in New Delhi, delivering unwelcome news about visa applications.

Due to an overwhelming surge in visa requests, the embassy declared that no further applications for group travel by company employees would be accepted until September and the upcoming weeks.

Tour Operators Urged to Plan Trips for Later Dates

According to a recent report published in Tamedia newspapers on Saturday, tour operators have been requested to reschedule group trips for a later date.

This measure will ensure that visa applications can be processed and issued promptly, minimizing disruptions to travel plans.

Profitable Ventures Stifled for Tour Operators

For numerous tour operators, these group trips are a vital source of profit for their businesses. Often involving hundreds of employees, these journeys serve as rewards from their employers for exceptional performance.

In 2019, for example, 12,000 Chinese employees were gifted this incentive by their companies, leading to a significant influx of travellers from China to Switzerland in three separate groups.

Schengen Zone and Visa Regulations

The Schengen zone encompasses most European countries, including Switzerland, and allows passport-free travel within its member states. However, nationals of third countries without a visa-liberalization agreement with Schengen member states must obtain a visa before arriving in Europe.

Visa Issuance Still Affected by Post-Covid Delays

Despite the Covid pandemic being under control, the embassies responsible for issuing Schengen visas are yet to return to pre-Covid operational levels. This delay is having a notable impact on classic group travellers, primarily from Asian countries like China and India.

Decreased Travel to Switzerland and Rise of Visa Black Market

As a result of the visa application delays, the number of travellers from Asia to Switzerland and Europe has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. Instead, many are opting to vacation in Southeast Asian countries where entry requirements are less stringent.

Moreover, the demand for visas is currently surpassing the supply, leading to the emergence of a flourishing visa black market. In India, certain entities or individuals are reportedly securing limited visa slots in advance and reselling them to tour operators at exorbitant prices, as revealed by industry insiders.

Swiss authorities and tour operators are closely monitoring the situation and implementing measures to address the visa application backlog and curb black market activities. Until then, tour operators and eager travellers must navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing visa issuance delays and explore alternative travel options.