According to tour operators, the closer the high seasons, the more difficult it will be to secure a Schengen visa appointment.

According to the Russian Association of Tour Operators, experts have predicted that this year, there will be an increased demand for Schengen visas and trips to the bloc starting from the end of March.

The increased demand is expected to last until the end of September when the high season ends. For this reason, to take advantage of faster processing times and availability of appointments, everyone has been recommended to file applications during the months when there are traditionally fewer people applying for the document.

These Schengen Countries Are Processing Visas for Russians the Fastest

Data provided by the Association of Tour Operators show that Schengen visas in Moscow can not be obtained at almost the same time as before the Coronavirus pandemic. Nonetheless, not all countries have the same availability in appointments and processing times.

Experts from BSI Group have said that Italy is currently offering the fastest processing of visas for Russians and has the shortest waiting time to secure an appointment slot.

As the experts revealed, visa appointments at the Italian visa centre in Moscow can be found between seven to ten days in advance. At the same time, the experts said that once the Russians undergo the interview and submit their biometrics, their Italian visa is issued within two to three weeks.

France and Spain also have fast visa processing times for Russians. However, it is more difficult to find closer available visa appointments. At the moment, the French visa centre in Moscow does not have available slots until the end of March.

As for Spanish visa appointments, the experts said that the slots for the second half of February will be distributed soon. Both France and Spain as processing Schengen visa applications for Russians within three weeks. The Greek visa centre in Moscow is also processing visas fast – in around seven working days.