Key Takeaways:
- Hungary and Italy demand visa checks for Turkish citizens, citing concerns over misuse and ‘visa shopping.’
- Visa shopping involves getting Schengen visas from lenient countries to visit other, more restrictive ones.
- Turkish citizens face increased scrutiny, higher rejection rates, and complex processes for obtaining and adhering to Schengen visas.
What is Causing the Debate Over Schengen Visas for Turkish Citizens?
Recently, Hungary and Italy’s demand to check the “proper use of Schengen visas” for Turkish citizens returning to Türkiye has ignited debates. This new issue adds complexity to the already challenging situation for Turkish citizens seeking Schengen visa appointments, often facing high rejection rates.
Why is Hungary Requesting a Visa Check for Turkish Citizens?
Last week, social media and news outlets reported that Hungary was calling Turkish citizens to its embassy in Ankara after they traveled with visas issued by Hungary. The purpose: “examining whether the visa was used in accordance with the procedures.” Hungary’s move stirred significant debate.
Hungarian Ambassador to Ankara Viktor Matis clarified that the practice is not “malicious.” According to Matis, Hungarian authorities felt compelled to act because, out of three Turks receiving visas from Budapest, only one stayed in Hungary. This reveals that many used their visas to transit to other Schengen zone countries where obtaining a visa is more challenging.
“There are unfortunately many who say, ‘Hungarians like us, let’s get a visa from them and claim we will go to Hungary, but actually go somewhere else,'” Matis told private broadcaster Habertürk. He described this as “‘visa shopping,’ meaning obtaining a visa from a more lenient country instead of the actual intended destination.”
What is Visa Shopping and Its Implications?
Visa shopping refers to getting a visa not from the Schengen country you intend to visit but from a country perceived to have more lenient requirements. Despite Hungary’s supportive stance on visa liberalization talks between Türkiye and the EU, its authorities remain vigilant against misuse.
“If anyone is found to be attempting ‘visa shopping,’ the consul must refuse the application, as it carries legal consequences,” Matis stated.
If you want to know more about Schengen visa rules and regulations, you can visit the official European Commission website.
How is Italy Involved in the Schengen Visa Issue?
Following Hungary’s steps, news outlets reported on June 2 that Italy made a similar request to Turkish citizens. Italy asked them to email a copy of their passport stamps after their travels. This mirrors Hungary’s approach, aiming to ensure Turkish citizens comply with Schengen visa rules.
How Does This Affect Turkish Citizens?
For Turkish citizens, these measures highlight the growing scrutiny and complexities surrounding acquiring and using Schengen visas. With already high rejection rates and difficulties in securing visa appointments, these additional checks could make the process even more cumbersome.
What Can Turkish Citizens Do to Comply with Schengen Visa Rules?
For those planning to travel, it is crucial to:
– Understand the Schengen visa requirements of the issuing country and adhere to them.
– Plan itineraries accurately, making sure to spend the majority of the stay in the country that issued the visa.
– Keep documentation and travel evidence handy, as proof of compliance may be required.
Conclusion
The recent demands from Hungary and Italy to check the proper usage of Schengen visas by Turkish citizens underline the importance of complying with visa regulations. As these countries strive for strict adherence to rules, ensuring your travel plans align with your Schengen visa’s stipulations is more important than ever.
Understanding Schengen visa requirements can help avoid potential complications and ensure a smoother travel experience. For more information on applying for a Schengen visa and understanding its requirements, visit official government resources or consult a professional immigration advisor.
Learn Today:
Glossary of Immigration Terms
Schengen Visa: A visa that allows the holder to travel freely among the 26 European countries that make up the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Visa Shopping: The act of applying for a visa from a Schengen country perceived to have more lenient requirements instead of the country that is the actual intended destination.
Visa Rejection Rates: The percentage of visa applications that are denied by a country’s consulate, reflecting the difficulty applicants may face in securing a visa.
Consul: An official appointed by a government to live in a foreign city and protect and assist its citizens and interests there, including processing visa applications.
Proper Use of Schengen Visas: Compliance with the requirement that travelers spend the majority of their stay in the Schengen country that issued the visa, rather than using it primarily to transit to other member countries.
This Article In A Nutshell:
Hungary and Italy’s enhanced scrutiny on the proper use of Schengen visas by Turkish citizens has sparked debate. Measures are aimed at curbing “visa shopping.” Travelers must comply with visa conditions—spending most of their trip in the visa-issuing country—to avoid complications and ensure smoother journeys.
— By VisaVerge.com
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