In 2023, Schengen visa applicants faced several challenges, with limited appointments and visa durations, as well as processing delays and documentation hurdles taking centre stage.
As travellers from third countries eagerly awaited their visas, many of them found themselves caught in the web of bureaucratic intricacies.
Complaining about the current rules and the overall Schengen visa application system, several applicants have said on social media that the rules need to be facilitated.
They have also called on the relevant authorities to take measures and have shared the most common troubles they went through when applying for a visa.
Limited Number of Schengen Visa Appointments Remains the Main Hurdle
A large number of Schengen visa applicants have complained about the limited number of appointments.
According to applicants, slots are quickly snapped up, leaving them in a waiting game that prolongs the overall application process.
The issue of limited appointment slots became particularly acute in regions with high demand, pushing many to alter or cancel their travel plans.
Complaining about the appointments, an anonymous Facebook user said that slots are being sold in the black market. The same said that they have been unable to find an appointment before February 2024.
Schengen applications are ridiculous, and why use an agent like VFS where people buy false appointments and sell at ridiculous amounts? I am trying to get appointments, and most are available starting February next year.
Another applicant expressed their frustration, saying that they have to undergo a long procedure just to be able to enter the EU for travel purposes.
The applicant said that appointments are very limited and noted that it is already too late to apply for a visa now for those who wish to visit the bloc in December.
Sometimes it’s really frustrating for genuine people who just want to tour Europe to go through a very complicated and thorough process, and sometimes no appointments are available. In case you have an urgent visit, for instance, if you want to visit Europe in December most availability for appointments is next year.
Recognising the difficulties posed by limited appointments, some consular offices have already taken steps to address the issue.
One of them is the Swiss Embassy in New Delhi, which previously told SchengenVisaInfo.com that they had increased the number of appointments and staff and had processed more visa applications until the end of September than they did in 2019.
Limited Visa Durations & Number of Required Documents Add to the Struggle
Several Schengen visa applicants reported instances where their approved visa duration did not align with the full extent of their planned stay in the Schengen Area.
This left many applicants grappling with the dilemma of either adjusting their travel plans or cancelling them.
A Schengen visa applicant who complained about the current rules said that the limited period for which a visa gets granted is very inflexible, stressing that plans can change very quickly.
As someone who has applied for many visas, I must say that applying for a Schengen visa is probably a ridiculous thing. The limited grant period, often similar to the travel itinerary, is extremely inflexible in today’s dynamic world where plans frequently change.
In line with the current Schengen Visa Code, holders of a short-term Schengen visa cannot stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days in a 180-day period. Those who intend to stay longer need to apply for a national visa, which does not get issued for travel purposes.
Challenges related to required documents were also encountered by Schengen visa applicants.
An applicant named Jaze Lyne said that she bought a printer to use for the documents required when applying for a Schengen visa. She further stressed that the amount of required documents is very large.
I bought a printer prior to our application date in an attempt to be more practical since we fly to Switzerland every year to visit my in-laws. I think we always submit around a hundred pcs of doc pages per applicant: my husband, my daughter, and me.
Gathering the necessary paperwork has proved to be a complex task, with some applicants discovering discrepancies only after submissions.
Common pitfalls, in general, include missing signatures, incomplete financial documentation, and outdated travel insurance, among others.
Applicants Complain About Processing Delays Too
Another concern voiced by applicants this year is the increased processing time. Applicants have said that delays ranging from a few weeks to several months have become a common headache for them.
An applicant who chose not to reveal their identity said that they have been waiting for a decision on their application for a month now.
Others have also said that there is a lack of transparency, stressing that in cases when they receive a negative decision, they only get a short explanation, which, according to them, is insufficient.
On the other hand, the authorities have cited the surge in application volumes as one of the major contributing factors to the extended waiting periods.
Several embassies have said that they have taken measures in order to deal with the high number of applications and process the applications as fast as possible.
Switzerland said for SchengenVisaInfo.com that it had put in place the necessary resources to meet the demand. The same highlighted that they update their system regularly.
