The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) rollout has caused significant border delays, with processing times rising up to 70%. The author, drawing from experience leading eu-LISA, argues that allowing pre-registration of biometric data could improve the traveler experience by moving time-consuming steps away from the border.
Mar 4 34 0
France has mandated online appointments for all visa applications worldwide starting February 20, 2026, eliminating walk-ins and informal booking methods. The new system applies to both short-stay Schengen and long-stay national visas, requiring applicants to first use the France-Visas portal and then the Démarches Simplifiées platform.
Feb 20 46 0VFS Global warns UAE residents that the 'small country trick'—applying for Schengen visas through less popular countries like Malta or Luxembourg to speed up processing—is a myth and violates EU Visa Code Article 5. Applying to the wrong country based on your actual travel itinerary can lead to visa refusal and a permanent negative record in the Visa Information System (VIS).
Nov 14, 2025 13 0
The EU has suspended issuing multiple-entry Schengen visas to most Russian citizens, but wealthy Russians and elites can bypass the ban by using alternative citizenships obtained through investment programs in countries like Serbia and Malta.
Nov 8, 2025 3 0
The European Commission has banned issuing multiple-entry Schengen visas to Russian nationals, effective November 7. Russian citizens must now apply for a new single-entry visa for each trip to the EU, with limited exceptions for close family members of EU citizens meeting strict criteria.
Nov 7, 2025 6 0Seven Kosovo nationals were arrested at the Croatia-Serbia border for exceeding the 90-day Schengen stay limit within a 180-day period. This follows similar recent enforcement actions in Germany, highlighting increased detection aided by the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES). Overstayers face penalties including fines and multi-year entry bans recorded in the Schengen Information System.
Oct 20, 2025 4 0
The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) launch on October 12 has been plagued by technical failures and severe delays, with only 3 countries fully ready. Brussels Airport reported 3-hour queues for non-EU travelers, while Prague's airport saw complete system failures forcing manual processing.
Oct 19, 2025 2 0The Schengen Area represents an unprecedented political experiment where 29 sovereign nations voluntarily dismantled internal borders, granting citizens, residents, and permit holders unrestricted freedom of movement. This framework has transformed travel, tourism, and business, while fostering a European identity and significantly boosting economic growth through enhanced trade and efficiency.
Sep 27, 2025 7 0
Based on 2024 data, Iceland, Slovakia, Italy, Romania, and Switzerland had the highest Schengen visa approval rates, all above 88%. Travelers must apply based on actual travel plans, not 'visa shop' to high-approval countries.
Sep 18, 2025 4 0Spain will require Russian ordinary passport holders to obtain an airport transit visa (TAP) for transiting through the international zones of Spanish airports starting July 12, 2025. Exemptions apply for those with valid Schengen visas, EU/EEA residence permits, or diplomatic passports. The transit must not exceed 24 hours.
Jun 17, 2025 7 0In 2024, the Netherlands was the sixth-largest Schengen visa processing country, receiving 728,656 applications. Turkish, Indian, and Chinese nationals were the top applicants and recipients, with high approval rates. Conversely, applicants from Senegal, Algeria, Mali, Ghana, and Uganda faced the highest rejection rates.
May 30, 2025 2 0
France was the top Schengen visa destination for 32 nationalities in 2024, receiving over 3 million applications—a 17% increase from 2023. Chinese nationals submitted the highest number of applications (1.78 million), with France being the primary destination for many, including over 90% of applicants from Gabon, Benin, Togo, and Madagascar.
May 27, 2025 2 0
In 2024, Schengen states issued 541,839 visas to Russian nationals from over 600,000 applications, with an average approval rate of 89.32%. Italy issued the most visas (152,254), followed by France, Spain, Greece, and Hungary, despite widespread sanctions and some countries refusing applications.
May 26, 2025 6 1
Spain has extended its job seeker visa validity from 3 months to 12 months, effective May 20, to attract skilled foreign workers and address labor shortages. Applicants must meet specific criteria, such as having studied in Spain or working in a qualified in-demand profession, and prove financial means of at least €600 per month.
May 21, 2025 2 0
Malta had the highest Schengen visa rejection rate in 2024 at 38.5%, followed by Estonia (27.2%) and Belgium (24.6%). Overall, 1.7 million of 11.7 million applications were rejected, with Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals facing rejection rates exceeding 62%.
May 20, 2025 1 0
UK government announces negotiations with the EU to allow British tourists to use fast-track EU/EEA electronic passport gates again, potentially ending long queues at manned border desks. The move aims to boost travel efficiency and the EU's appeal as a holiday destination.
May 19, 2025 1 0
Switzerland's Green Party is pushing to abolish the country's Golden Visa program, arguing it creates inequality by favoring the wealthy and risks attracting oligarchs. Currently, 496 individuals hold such visas, with Russians and Chinese being top recipients. The program grants residency for investments ranging from CHF250,000 to over CHF1 million.
May 8, 2025 7 0
TLScontact has automated Schengen visa appointment allocation for France in Morocco's main cities to combat fraud. The system randomly assigns slots to registered applicants, reducing bot activity by 48% in Rabat and securing 15,000 appointments.
Apr 30, 2025 18 1