After receiving multiple complaints about Schengen visa procedures and entry denials into the Schengen Area, the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified for its citizens why this is happening.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia said that Armenians are being denied entry into the bloc despite holding valid Schengen visas because they are altering their plans after obtaining the document, Schengen.News reports.
As explained by the Ministry, when applying for a Schengen visa, Armenian citizens submit travel plans for a specific country. However, as soon as they have their visa approved, they change their entire itinerary and cancel their hotel reservations.
In line with the Visa Code, foreigners are recommended to spend most of their stay in the country that issued that Schengen visa and provide a detailed itinerary.
While the itinerary can be changed after obtaining the Schengen visa, it should still remain similar to the original one so that you do not risk being denied entry to the bloc.
Changing the itinerary and cancelling the hotel reservation after obtaining the Schengen visa could raise suspicions, and according to the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this is the reason why many Armenians are not permitted to enter the Schengen Area.
A shift in the stated purpose of the visit may lead the authorities of the country to deny entry, as it is viewed as a discrepancy between the declared and actual intentions or conditions of the trip.
EU Has Already Launched Visa Liberalisation Talks With Armenia
The EU Commission decided earlier in July to launch the visa liberalisation talks with Armenia.
According to the Commission, the dialogue between the EU and Armenia will be focused on several areas. The same noted that the talks will lead to reforms, especially in the security of travel documents and border management, among others.
Even though the EU has launched these talks with Armenia, the EU Council noted that visa liberalisation for Armenia will be considered only if the country fulfils all benchmarks.
Since Armenia has yet not reached any visa liberalisation agreement with the EU, all of its passport holders continue to be required to obtain a Schengen visa in order to be able to enter the bloc.
However, unlike nationals of other countries who need Schengen visas, Armenians are required to pay a reduced fee. Armenians need to pay a Schengen visa fee of €35 instead of the €90 fee that applies to the other applicants.
