Schengen Area: Limited Appointments Available for Schengen Travel
June 5, 2025
At a Glance
- Appointments for submitting Schengen C visa applications are limited amid increased application numbers during the peak travel season of May to August.
- 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 limited amid increased application numbers during the peak travel season of May to August.
Impact
Travelers should plan as much in advance 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 volumes, with Europe hosting many of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
Looking ahead
Schengen C visa appointments are not likely to increase in availability in the immediate future. However, the European Union is currently pushing towards full digital transition of the Schengen visa application process by 2028, with digital visas to be issued with encrypted barcodes. These changes are expected to streamline the Schengen country visa application process (as well as provide improved security features) over the coming years. In the interim, there will be a phase-in period, during which digital and paper processes will be blended. Specifically, in 2026, the EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP) is expected to be launched, offering online applications, digital document uploads, and online fee payments, with some in-person requirements for initial applications.
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].
