Illusion of choice - Borders, Bodies, and Belonging
9 Jan 2026, Manchester, UK Everyone has a story about Schengen Visa. About the number of documents to submit. About unclear instructions. About their kanjoos travel approvals. I had these too, and this time, acquired a new one. Cover image created using AI (ChatGPT), based on the themes of the blog I was in Manchester to submit my bundle of documents to Country X (not naming it for now). I had an early appointment so I woke up even earlier, wore my favourite winter clothes and matching bindi, so that my visa photo would look nice! I reached the centre on time thanks to P's driving and I was impressed by how efficient the service was. Within 30 mins, I was already out, now, frantically deciding whether I should walk to the station or take a cab to catch the fastest train back to Leeds that only runs hourly. And then, I got a call from a private number. It was from the centre informing me that my biometrics weren't clear and that they needed to take it again....