2025 Schengen Visa Guidelines: how it works in any — first-hand

Demand remains high, with France, Italy, and Spain being the most popular destinations (75% of applications). Consulates face increased workloads, leading to fewer available appointment slots, longer waiting times, more thorough document checks, requests for additional confirmations, and a reduction in long-term multiple-entry visas. Compared to pre-2022, the process is more complex due to the removal of the simplified visa regime, increased consular fees, and longer processing times.

Top Issuers (by volume): Italy, France, Spain, Greece. Lowest Refusal Rates: Luxembourg (3.1%), Bulgaria (3.4%), France (3.5%), Slovakia (3.6%). Multi-entry Visas (MEV) decreased significantly (to 28.4% from 41.3% in 2024). Many EU countries remain largely closed to Russian tourists. Bulgaria, despite a low refusal rate, still rejects some applicants, including property owners, sometimes citing Article 7 (security threat) without clear explanations, even for employees of non-sanctioned state corporations. Italy and Hungary are often suggested as alternatives for obtaining a Schengen visa after a Bulgarian refusal.

France, Italy, and Spain, as major visa issuers, are under particular scrutiny. The proposed measures are described as 'targeted restrictive measures' focused on security, with specific proposals expected later. These changes will not affect the upcoming summer season. Plans include enhanced applicant checks and stricter visa issuance controls, but a complete entry ban for Russians is not being considered. While obtaining a Schengen visa may become more difficult, the overall goal is to gradually increase scrutiny rather than close borders.