APPLYING for and obtaining the
dreaded Schengen visa is set to
become a lot easier, with shorter
visa processes, online applications,
visas on arrival, and – most importantly
– the introduction of multiple-entry visas
for travellers.
The European Union says it plans to
drastically simplify and shorten visa
procedures for South African travellers
from as early as 2015.
The EU aims to reduce the deadline
for processing visas from 15 to 10
days as well as make it possible to
lodge visa applications at other EU
countries’ consulates if the member
state is not present in the country.
Application forms will also be simplied
and allow for online applications. In
some countries, travellers will be able
to apply for a visa-on-arrival for up to
15 days.
On the cards is the introduction of a
new type of visa – the touring visa. This
allows visitors to travel in the Schengen
area, throughout various countries, for
up to one year, without staying in one
member state for more than 90 days in
any 180-day period.
However, the most exciting
announcement is probably the
facilitation for regular travellers, which
includes mandatory issuing of multipleentry
visas valid for three years.
A simplied visa system would
undoubtedly boost travel to
Europe from South Africa, industry
stakeholders say.
Dinesh Naidoo, group operations
director of SWG, says the process for
obtaining a European visa is currently
a tedious and costly procedure. “If
the process for European visas were
relaxed you would nd a growth for
travel into Europe,” he says.
Sarah Whiteside, sales and
marketing manager of Travel Vision,
adds that the current visa system
is a deterrent for travellers based
in outlying areas. She says clients
from Port Elizabeth, for example, who
want to obtain an Italian visa, need to
travel to Cape Town. “The client has
to add the cost of the visa, which is
over R1 000, a return ight to Cape
Town, accommodation, and car hire
to the cost of his/her trip to Italy.
Furthermore, applications for Italian
visas can only be submitted between
one month and 15 days before travel.
The client therefore has to take the risk
of paying for his trip in full, with the risk
of hefty cancellation penalties hanging
over him should his visa be declined.”
Sean Hough, ceo of Pentravel, agrees,
saying it would make Europe more
appealing for families, who now tend
to opt for other destinations when
faced with the cost, administration
and hassle of personal interviews at
embassies.
All eyes are now on the UK to see
whether the country will follow suit with
a relaxation of visa rules. UK tourism
companies have expressed concern
that the improvements to Schengen
visas could drive more business to
competitor countries in Europe. David
Scowsill, president and ceo of the
World Travel & Tourism Council, called
on the UK government earlier this
month to signicantly
change its approach and
policies; including freezing Air
Passenger Duty and aligning
its procedures with the
Schengen visa area to simplify
UK access for travellers.
Theresa Szejwallo, md of
The Travel Corporation, says
when the UK rst implemented
visas for SA passport holders,
the company saw a shift
in business, with clients
wishing to start their tours
in Continental Europe and
avoid the UK altogether.
“This has led to our travellers
using alternative carriers
into Europe and, of course,
being subjected to the whole
Schengen visa process.”
Theresa says she looks
forward to the implementation
of a touring visa, which will
have a positive impact on
travel to Europe.
