Concerns Over Schengen Visa Appointments: A Black Market Emerges!

The European Commission's data for 2025 reveals that Turkey has submitted 1,268,000 Schengen visa applications, making it the second-highest applicant after China. The rejection rate for Turkish applicants stands at 14.6%. While there has been a general rise in visa appointment requests, Firuz Bağlıkaya, President of TÜRSAB, noted a troubling decline in applications specifically for Italy and France. He attributes this drop to the difficulties applicants face in securing visa appointments. Bağlıkaya raised alarms about unethical practices among some visa facilitation agencies, claiming that automated bots are monopolizing appointments and reselling them at inflated prices ranging from 300 to 1,000 Euros. TÜRSAB is preparing to initiate legal proceedings against these unfair practices to protect applicants and ensure transparency in the visa application process. In light of these challenges, TÜRSAB has issued reminders to citizens regarding adherence to Schengen visa regulations. With the introduction of electronic tracking systems, violations are now easier to detect, emphasizing the importance of compliance for travelers eager to visit Europe. As the situation evolves, continued scrutiny of the visa appointment system is crucial to ensure fair access for all applicants.