Schengen Visa Waiting Time Extends as Travel Demand Increases

The existing long waiting times for Schengen visas might get further extended. Reasons for delay cited as - high volume of visa applications, stretched visa processing timelines, and limited appointment availability. 

On May 30, 2022, the Embassy of Denmark in New Delhi announced the temporary suspension of new short stay visa appointments at VFS Global from July 1, 2022 and until further notice. The reasons cited were “shortage of staff, absence and an unforeseen increase in the number of applications”. 

With COVID-19 restrictions being lifted in most of the European Union (EU) and Schengen Area countries, travelers have started planning their trips abroad. An increased travel demand has led to third-country nationals facing long waiting times when applying for a Schengen Visa. 

As per official reports, appointment slots are very limited at the present point in time. Those requiring a visa to be able to enter the EU or Schengen Area have been finding it difficult to secure a Schengen Visa. 

Schengen Visa Waiting Time Extends as Travel Demand Increases - Longest and Shortest Waiting Times for the Schengen Visa 

Which EU countries have lifted COVID-19 entry rules?

So far, 20 EU/EEA countries have removed their COVID-19 entry rules. Summer being weeks away and COVID-19 infection rate dropping, the majority of European Union / European Economic Area countries have already lifted all of their entry rules. 

All travellers - either from a country above-mentioned or from an EU or third country - are permitted restriction-free entry. No requirement to present any COVID-19 related document such as a test, vaccination, or recovery certificate. 

Apart from the 20 countries named, the remaining EU/EEA countries still require travellers to meet certain entry rules. 

What is Schengen?

Schengen refers to the largest free travel area in the world. The Schengen Area covers 26 countries - France, Germany, Spain, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Austria, Denmark, Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, Slovenia, Italy, Sweden, Slovakia, Norway, Latvia, Malta, Luxembourg, and Lithuania. 

What is Schengen Visa?

A short-stay visa permitting travel to any country in the Schengen Areas and stay for up to 90 days for business or tourism. Each of the member countries of the Schengen zone can issue a Schengen Visa. There are no border controls within the Schengen Zone. 

A Schengen Visa is only for a short stay. Studying, working, or staying in any of the Schengen countries for over 90 days will require applying for a national visa of that particular country.