Home Travel & Adventure Switzerland Schengen Visa Appointments in UK Cancelled: IT Incident Causes Disruption

Switzerland Schengen Visa Appointments in UK Cancelled: IT Incident Causes Disruption

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Persons planning to apply for Swiss Schengen tourist and transit visas in the United Kingdom are ineligible to do so after, according to a report from Bleeping Computer, all appointments for these kinds of visas have been cancelled across Britain.

Switzerland’s government-chosen IT provided for easing visa applicants for citizens of third countries; TLSContact blamed an IT incident at its centre in Manchester, Edinburgh and London for appointment cancellations.

Residents from Britain who are citizens of countries which require a visa to travel to European countries are urged to apply through TLSContact when planning to travel to Switzerland, Belgium, France and Germany.

All these countries are part of the EU’s borderless area of Schengen, which gives persons with valid tourist or business visas access to all Schengen Zone countries.

 “Due to technical reasons, this week’s visa appointments at TLScontact had to be cancelled and rescheduled. We are working together with TLScontact to fix the problems as soon as possible. TLScontact will contact all applicants for the next earliest appointment possible,” the automated response sent to BleepingComputer from the Swiss Embassy in London visas department notes.

Nationals from third countries continuously ask for help from outsourced IT and visa processing partners such as TLSContact, as well as VFS Global and BLS International.

However, during the busy summer season, the cases in which the application process does not go as it plans are not few.

Previously, a spokesperson from VFS Global said that fraudsters pretending to be employees from the visa application company are selling fake Schengen visa appointments in the United Arab Emirates.

In addition, the spokesperson said that there was marked an increase in the number of fraudsters offering to sell fake appointments this year.

“There has been an increase in fraudsters this year who are taking advantage of people by selling appointments. We have seen some people come into the centre with appointment confirmations which are fake and were unfortunately scammed by these fraudsters,” VFS Global’s Deputy Head of the UAE, Monaz Billimoria, said in this regard.

The amelioration of the epidemiological situation and the abolishment of COVID-related restrictions led to a significant increase in travel demand in EU countries.

Besides, the data provided by AirDNA previously revealed that occupancy in Europe marked a record-high surge last month, with statistics at 66 per cent, as supply remained four per cent below the pre-pandemic levels.

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Monte OZ is a highly accomplished and respected international freelance journalist, travel and active adventure reporter, and leading entertainment & lifestyle blogger based in Africa. With a passion for storytelling, a sense of adventure, and an eye for all things captivating, Monte has become a prominent figure in the world of travel, entertainment, and lifestyle journalism. Born and raised in Africa, Monte developed a deep appreciation for the continent's diverse cultures, rich heritage, and vibrant entertainment scene. His upbringing fueled his desire to share Africa's untold stories and showcase its dynamic lifestyle to a global audience. Monte's extensive experience and expertise have made him a sought-after authority on all things related to travel, adventure, entertainment, and lifestyle in Africa. As an international freelance journalist, Monte has made significant contributions to various prestigious publications worldwide. His captivating articles, insightful interviews, and engaging features have graced the pages of leading entertainment magazines, lifestyle publications, and reputable news outlets. Monte's unique ability to capture the essence of Africa's entertainment and lifestyle scene has garnered widespread acclaim and recognition. With a love for exploration and a thirst for adrenaline, Monte also thrives as an active adventure reporter. He has embarked on daring expeditions, immersing himself in Africa's wild landscapes, and documenting his adrenaline-pumping experiences. Whether it's conquering treacherous peaks, exploring remote jungles, or engaging in heart-pounding activities, Monte's adventurous spirit and daring escapades inspire readers to embrace their own sense of adventure. In addition to his work in journalism and adventure reporting, Monte is a leading entertainment & lifestyle blogger in Africa. Through his influential blog, he offers readers an insider's view of the continent's vibrant entertainment scene, trendy hotspots, fashion trends, culinary delights, and cultural experiences. Monte's unique blend of storytelling, personal insights, and expert recommendations has made his blog a go-to resource for entertainment and lifestyle enthusiasts seeking the pulse of Africa's dynamic culture. Beyond his professional pursuits, Monte is a passionate advocate for promoting Africa's talent, creativity, and cultural diversity. He actively supports and champions emerging artists, musicians, designers, and entrepreneurs, helping to showcase their work to a broader audience. Monte's dedication to promoting Africa's vibrant entertainment and lifestyle industry has positioned him as a respected influencer and tastemaker within the African and global entertainment communities. With a commitment to excellence, a passion for exploration, and a talent for captivating storytelling, Monte Oz continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As an international freelance journalist, travel and active adventure reporter, and leading entertainment & lifestyle blogger, his work has left an indelible mark on the world of journalism, travel, and entertainment, solidifying his position as a trusted authority and go-to resource for all things related to African travel, adventure, and lifestyle.