What is ‘Visa Shopping’ and why is it being done to enter countries in Europe

• The practice of ‘visa shopping’ is on the rise across various Indian states, most notably in Punjab, where travel agencies facilitate this process.

Visa Shopping

• It involves obtaining visas for countries that individuals may or may not visit during the granted visa period.
• It is a strategy to gain entry into preferred countries, often in Europe, even if one holds a visa for a different European nation.

Exploiting The Schengen System

• The Schengen Visa is a prime example, allowing travellers to explore multiple European countries without the need for separate visas.
• The Schengen Area includes 27 countries, where travellers can move freely without border controls, making it a coveted choice for visa shoppers.

Case Scenarios

• Easier Application Process: Many applicants prefer to secure a Schengen Visa from a country with a more straightforward application process.
• Several cases illustrate the practice of visa shopping, such as obtaining visas for easier entry or to reach a specific destination, even if the original visa application was rejected.

Legal Implications

• While visa shopping is not inherently illegal, travellers must adhere to visa process norms and obtain valid permission to stay in the country they visit.
• Legal concerns arise when intentions do not align with the visa's purpose or if the traveller seeks a visa for one country and stays in another.

Monitoring and Suspicion

• Thorough Scrutiny: Embassies now conduct comprehensive checks of travel plans to detect visa shopping.
• Potential Consequences: Suspected individuals may face visa refusal, being offloaded from flights, or deportation from EU borders.
• Official Suspicion: Repeated engagement in visa shopping can arouse suspicion among immigration officials, leading to potential problems during travel.

Prelims Takeaway

• Visa Shopping
• The Schengen Visa