Tour operators have urged Russian nationals planning to visit the Schengen Area this spring and summer to apply for their visas well in advance to avoid delays. As spring approaches, securing visa appointments becomes increasingly difficult.

According to the Russian Association of Tour Operators, applications for Schengen visas are accepted up to six months before the intended travel date. Travelers are advised against leaving their applications until the last minute, especially with increasing demand anticipated by the end of March.

Experts predict that this demand will persist until the end of September, the peak travel season. Therefore, it is recommended that applications be filed during off-peak months for faster processing times.

Data from the Association of Tour Operators reveals that obtaining Schengen visas in Moscow is no longer as quick as it was before the pandemic. Appointment availability and processing times vary across different countries.

Currently, Italy is recognized for the fastest visa processing for Russian applicants, with appointment slots available from seven to ten days in advance. After the interview and biometric collection, Italian visas are typically issued within two to three weeks.

France and Spain also offer rapid processing, but finding earlier available slots is more challenging; the French visa center currently has no openings until the end of March, while Spanish appointments for late February will be available soon. The Greek visa center processes applications quickly, usually within seven working days.