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Meghna Misra
Last Updated 09 May 2023
France Is The Best Option For Indian Travelers Seeking Schengen Visas

France is currently the top choice for Indian travellers seeking Schengen visas, thanks to its efficient and fast visa processing system. According to Rajeev Kale, President and Country Head of Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India) Limited, France is granting visas in just 5 to 6 days, making it the perfect choice for those who want to travel to Europe without the hassle of a long waiting period for their visa.

This is particularly important given the current situation where many other Schengen countries are taking much longer to process visa applications. Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Italy, and Portugal are currently processing applications within 15 working days, while Greece is taking up to three weeks to issue visas. To add to this, appointments for Switzerland’s Visa at Your Doorstep (VAYD) are currently suspended until further notice. This means that clients could be facing extended booking periods resulting from visa delays.

To avoid disappointment, it is advisable for Indian travellers to apply now for travel in June or later. However, those who are eager to visit Europe sooner should consider other destinations that offer faster appointment slots and visa processing times. Hungary, Finland, Greece, Spain, Norway, and Denmark are all great options for those who want to visit Europe without the hassle of a long wait for their visa.

Alternatively, clients are choosing simpler visa destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives, and Mauritius, which do not require a visa or offer visas on arrival. Other destinations such as UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Oman, and Vietnam, which have prompt and efficient visa processing times, are also in high demand for summer vacations. Visas can be obtained in as little as 3-4 working days in these locations. Turkey processes visas within 4-6 working days, South Africa processes visas within 10 days, and New Zealand processes visas within 15-20 days. Australia provides a fully digitized process with no biometrics required, and visas for well-travelled and high-quality Indian applicants are processed much faster.

In conclusion, France is the best option for Indian travellers seeking Schengen visas due to its fast and efficient visa processing system. However, other destinations are also worth considering, particularly for those who want to avoid long waiting periods for their visa. With a little bit of planning and research, Indian travellers can explore Europe and beyond with ease.