While citizens from countries like Canada and the U.S. can enter Europe’s Schengen Area, which comprises 27 European countries that have abolished passport and border controls, without a visa, citizens of nations such as Turkey, India, South Africa, and China are required to apply. The Schengen visa allows for short stays (typically under 90 days), reports the New York Times.
The application process is expensive, complex and time-consuming, says the report. For every visit to Europe, the visa costs pax about USD $85 and requires an in-person appointment as well as hard copies of various legal documents. These appointments, usually outsourced to for-profit companies, have been scarce in recent months.
Some travellers also receive visas that are shorter than their intended stays, leading to frustration. Critics argue the system disproportionately affects individuals from the Global South.
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