The visa regime for an Indian citizen to travel to Schengen countries is quite cumbersome. Documents that are required to be furnished in support of visa applications are, in many cases, unnecessary. For example, why should an Indian disclose the details of hotel bookings for an entire stay in the Schengen area?
The checklist for a tourist visa for, say, Greece, includes a “covering letter from the applicant explaining the reason of the trip and duration of stay in Greece”. There is little rationale for the need for this information. The submission of an original “No Objection Letter” from the employer specifying the employment status and salary is mandatory. A salaried employee is called upon to give this certificate, but what about someone who is self-employed? Such an expectation shows duplicity and lack of logic.
Those married and travelling with their spouses have to furnish a copy of the marriage certificate. Why? If necessary, any other document – a voter identity card, a driving licence or a PAN card and so on – which records the name of the spouse should suffice.
The tourist checklist also mentions that an Internet Bank Statement will not be accepted. This is not all. Additional documents or an interview by the Embassy of Greece may be required. Original documents must be accompanied along with a copy. Moreover, the visa fee according to Schengen Regulations is non-refundable!
The proof of sufficient funds is verified by an original bank statement for the last six months, tax returns for the last three years, salary slips for the last six months, a credit card copy and a copy of the PAN card.
There is no justifiable need for asking for any document other than a simple application form, a valid passport, the return air-ticket reservation and overseas medical insurance. It is time New Delhi asserts its rightful status to demand a friendly and helpful deal to its citizens travelling abroad.
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Nilendra Kumar Noida
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