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With the arrival of the spring and summer months, a growing number of Russian nationals are expected to make travel plans to the Schengen Area, leading to an increase in visa applications. Current data indicate that Russians can still obtain a Schengen visa in Moscow within the same timeframe as before the pandemic. However, some member states process visas faster than others, making them more appealing to Russian applicants.
According to tour operators, Italy currently provides the fastest Schengen visa processing and has the shortest waiting time for an appointment slot during the off-season. Experts from BSI Group have stated that available appointments at the Italian visa centre in Moscow can be secured within seven to ten days in advance. Furthermore, the same experts noted that visas from the Italian authorities are typically issued within two to three weeks after applicants have completed their interview and submitted biometric information.
This efficient processing means that an Italian Schengen visa in Moscow can be obtained in less than a month, making Italy a favored destination among Russian visa applicants. "There are available slots for an Italian visa for March, and there are no problems in obtaining a Schengen visa from this EU country," BSI Group stated.
In general, the Schengen visa situation at the beginning of February has not changed significantly from the conditions observed at the end of December 2024. All consulates have now resumed their usual working schedules, allowing for relatively smooth visa processing.
While Italy leads in efficiency, other Schengen countries remain popular among Russian visa applicants despite longer processing times in the off-season. France, Spain, Hungary, and Greece continue to be among the most sought-after destinations, according to the Association of Tour Operators.
The PAC Group has reported that applying for a Schengen visa for France or Spain remains more challenging. "Applicants need to 'catch' an appointment for these two countries, with slots being made available only from time to time," the group stated. BSI Group has also confirmed that France does not have any available visa appointment slots in Moscow until the end of March, though the processing time is similar to that of Italy, with applicants receiving a response within two to three weeks after their interview.
Regarding Spain, BSI Group indicated that visa appointments will be made available in the coming days. Meanwhile, the Greek visa centre in Moscow reportedly offers only four available slots per day, further limiting accessibility for Russian travelers.
Despite the relative stability in visa processing times, tour operators have raised concerns about the difficulty in obtaining long-term multiple-entry Schengen visas. While Russian applicants can still receive visas, many Schengen countries are issuing them with much shorter validity periods compared to previous years.
Tour operators have specifically pointed out that France is mostly issuing visas with a validity of six months, Spain is granting visas for only one to three months, and Greece and Hungary are generally issuing visas valid only for the exact duration of the planned stay.
"No matter how many visas a tourist has had before, short-term or long-term, it is impossible to predict for how long they will be given a Schengen visa. The algorithm is unclear. After a one-year or two-year visa, tourists receive a visa for six months. It’s a shame. In six months, they will have to spend time and money again to get a Schengen visa," a tour operator lamented.
With the high season approaching, tour operators are advising all Russian travelers planning to visit the Schengen Area in the coming months to begin the visa application process well in advance to avoid delays and potential complications due to rising demand.
By fLEXI tEAM
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