EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said on August 31, 2022, that the ministers of foreign affairs of the EU countries have reached political agreements regarding the issuance of Schengen visas for citizens of the Russian Federation: the simplified procedure for issuing visas will be completely discontinued.
Source: EU High Representative Josep Borrell
“We have seen a substantial increase of border crossings from Russia into neighbouring states. This is becoming a security risk. We, therefore, agree today with EU Foreign Ministers on Full Suspension of the EU-Russia visa facilitation agreement.”
Josep Borrell added that visas would be issued on an individual basis, taking into account personal circumstances.
This would significantly reduce the number of new visas for Russians issued by member states.
“It will be a more difficult and long process. And the number of new visas will be significantly reduced. This is a joint approach that will prevent “visa shopping” by Russians, travelling here and there,” the head of European diplomacy added.
See also: 5 EU countries have threatened “national measures” to limit the entry of Russians
