Ministry investigates bot-driven resale of Schengen visa appointments
The Trade Ministry has launched an investigation into allegations that Schengen visa appointment slots are being systematically collected via automated bot software and resold for profit, amid growing complaints over access to visa booking systems.
Trade Minister Ömer Bolat confirmed that seven companies are currently under review over claims that they used bot-based systems to unlawfully capture Schengen visa appointment slots and sell them to applicants at inflated prices.
According to Bolat’s statement, the allegations include the unauthorized aggregation of appointment availability through automated tools, as well as off-the-record transactions conducted via IBAN transfers without formal invoicing. He noted that the findings and related claims have been forwarded to both the Treasury and Finance Ministry and the Foreign Ministry for further examination.
Bolat also revealed that over the past five years, authorities have received 143 complaints via the Presidential Communication Center (CİMER) and 10 applications through e-Government channels concerning intermediary companies operating in the visa facilitation sector. He added that additional regulatory measures are being evaluated in coordination with relevant institutions.
