I am currently planning a historical tour through Italy and France for late autumn to visit several key museums. While I have gathered all the standard documentation listed on the official websites, I keep hearing conflicting anecdotes regarding processing delays and rejection reasons for applicants from our region this year.
Has anyone applied for a short-stay Schengen visa from outside the Schengen area recently, particularly from North Africa or the Middle East? I am looking to understand realistic timelines versus the official 15 days stated. Also, were you asked for additional proof of ties to your home country beyond the standard employment letter?
I submitted my application through the consulate in Rabat last month for a restoration conference in Florence. Regarding the timeline, I was informed initially of a standard 15-day processing window; however, the passport was not returned until 28 days had elapsed. During the adjudication process, I was required to submit certified translations of my property deeds, which were not listed on the initial checklist, to demonstrate sufficient economic ties. It appears the scrutiny on the applicant’s intent to return has intensified significantly.
Realizing this is not specifically about North Africa, the backend logic for external applications seems consistent globally right now. So FYI, from the Mumbai consulate, the processing time recently hit a strict 15-working-day cycle, so plan for three weeks minimum.
Based on recent community reports, the 15-day timeline is often optimistic. Many applicants from North Africa and the Middle East are seeing 3–5 weeks, especially for France and Italy, or if extra checks are triggered.
Yes — several people were asked (or later refused) due to insufficient ties, even with an employment letter. Extra proof like property documents, long-term contracts, family ties, or a strong cover letter explaining return plans seems to matter more this year.