The Italian Visa Center VMS in Moscow has issued an official update regarding significant delays in visa processing for travelers. According to the center’s latest announcement, the standard timeframe for reviewing documents now starts at a minimum of 60 days. In specific instances, this period can extend up to 80 days, making early planning essential for anyone intending to visit Italy during the current season.
Extended Timeframes and Lack of Expedited Services
The recent increase in processing times is attributed to a high volume of applications and technical factors at the Consulate General of Italy. VMS representatives emphasize that there is currently no available mechanism to accelerate the consideration of documents.
- The minimum waiting period for a decision is 2 months.
- Maximum processing time can reach 80 calendar days.
- Expedited processing services are unavailable regardless of the travel purpose.
These delays apply specifically to the Moscow branch of the VMS center, which handles applications for residents of Moscow and the Moscow region.
Recommendations for Travelers
In light of these developments, the visa center strongly advises applicants to submit their dossiers at least 3 months prior to their scheduled departure. This buffer is intended to prevent trip cancellations due to pending paperwork.
In this regard, the visa center recommends submitting documents at least 3 months before the planned travel date.
Furthermore, travelers should note that as of June 2026, strict adherence to document requirements is mandatory. For instance, according to current regulations, only biometric passports with 10-year validity are accepted for Schengen visa applications.
In conclusion, the current situation requires a highly disciplined approach to travel logistics. Potential visitors to Rome, Milan, Venice, and other Italian destinations must account for nearly three months of administrative wait time to ensure their entry permits are issued before their flights. Travelers are encouraged to monitor the official VMS website for any further changes in consular operations.