On September 6, 2022, it became known, that the European Commission has approved a proposal to completely suspend the visa facilitation agreement with Russia from September 12, 2022.
Source: The European Commission
“A country like Russia, waging a war of aggression, should not qualify for visa facilitations as long as it continues conducting its destructive foreign policy and military aggression towards Ukraine, demonstrating a complete disregard to the international rules-based order.”
According to the decision:
- The visa fee will increase from 35 to 80 euros;
- The term of visa processing is up to 45 days;
- The long list of documents will be needed: applicants will be required to provide a full list of supporting documents at the time of visa application;
- The number of long-term and multiple-entry visas will be greatly reduced, or they will cease to be issued altogether;
- “Schengen” visas will be issued exclusively for the duration of the trip, and the priority of issuance will be humanitarian reasons, and only for the last resort – tourist purposes.
Russians with a multiple-entry visa will still be able to enter the EU until the visa expires.
“The EU has concluded Visa Facilitation Agreements only with a limited number of countries. These Agreements are based on mutual trust and respect of common values between the EU and the given country.”
See also: Absolute majority of Europeans support Ukraine and reduce dependence on Russian gas, – survey
