minor changes are made to the Schengen visa application form – the updated version can be downloaded here

visa fee has been increased to 80 euros, however, fee for children aged 6 – 12 will be only 40 euros

application can be submitted at least 6 months before the planning departure

application should be filed no later than 15 days before the trip; should the applicant wish to submit it later, the consulate can refuse it

Schengen visa applications can be submitted only through visa centers VFS

review period remains 15 days, however, it can newly be extended only once to 45 days (as opposed to 30 or 60 days)