Schengen Area: Appointment Availability for Schengen Travel Limited
March 30, 2023
At a Glance
- Appointments for submitting Schengen C visa applications are extremely limited as the volume of applications has increased and will continue to increase approaching the peak tourist season in the Schengen Area from May to August.
- Additionally, many application centers have also been targeted by bots which are booking appointments as they become available.
- Travelers should plan in advance as much as possible for upcoming travel to the Schengen Area.
The situation
Appointments for submitting Schengen C visa applications are extremely limited as the volume of applications has increased and will continue to increase approaching the peak tourist season in the Schengen Area from May to August.
Additionally, many application centers have also been targeted by bots which are booking appointments as they become available.
Impact
Travelers should plan in advance as much as possible for upcoming travel to the Schengen Area. It is also recommended that businesses and business travelers remain flexible to ensure sufficient time for obtaining the appropriate visa prior to travel to the Schengen Area.
Background
Schengen C visa appointment delays have been ongoing since 2021, due to high application volume as travel resumed after the pandemic, reduced government staffing and adjusted government policies during pandemic recovery.
Looking ahead
Schengen C visa appointments are not likely to increase in availability anytime soon. The European Commission has proposed a plan to digitize the Schengen C visa application process, moving away from physical applications and visa stickers to a digital system. Digitization is expected to speed up the application process, reduce costs and enhance security. As of March 29, 2023, the Council has agreed on the proposal, and the Council presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament to agree on the final wording. We will report on related developments.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
