Cost of automated booking line for visa appointments

[trf0412]

I just read a post of someone whose husband had gone to the Greek Consulate in London and people had been walking in off the streets without an appointment. If that is true then the premium-rate automated booking number for visa appointments is clearly a money-making scandal.

Regardless of whether or not that is true, it has made me think seriously about this system of booking appointments for EU family members.

If, under EU legistlation, visas must be issued free of charge to EU family members, does it not stand to reason that EU family members should not be charged £15 for booking an appointment?

(I understand that there is no way you can identify whether you're an EU family member over the phone, but I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult to find a way to not charge EU family members).

[trf0412]

Does anyone else disagree with the ridiculous costs involved in just making an appointment to apply for a visa? Is there anything that can be done about it, or anyone I could lodge a complaint with? I presume consulates are allowed to charge premium rates on their booking lines, though, as it can be seen as a service they're providing...

Well, the sooner my wife gets her British passport the better...

[Dawie]

The only thing I can suggest is to boycott the countries that are guilty of this ridiculous practise. That's what I do. If a country makes it too complicated for me to obtain a visa then I simply will not go there. This is main reason I have never been to America. Firstly, I have a policy of not going to countries run by dictators and secondly I refuse to suffer the utter humilation involved in getting a US visa.

I find it insulting enough that I require a tourist visa in the first place. What makes an Australian or American (who do not require visas for Schengenland) better than me? Are they more trustworthy and honest than me simply because they happen to be born in a different country. What a load of bollocks.

[trf0412]

Well said! Except I really want to go to Greece , so unfortunately some arrogant consular officials and a £15 charge to make the appointment isn't enough to deter me and make me boycott the country. [Of coure, I don't need a visa, but, unless I want to go alone, then my wife needs one]. So I guess it's just a matter of gritting my teeth and accepting it... despite knowing it's daylight robbery!

[Wanderer]

Same with the German Embassy in London, 0906 number, we were quick on it and it arrived on our bill as £11.45!

With two visits from Manchester the 25 Euro visa soon turns into a two hundred quid one!