EU-Russia Visa Facilitation Agreement Terminated: What Has Changed

Starting from Monday, September 12, the European Union will completely suspend the visa facilitation agreement with Russia, which has been in effect since 2007, reports RIA Novosti.

Practically, the suspension of the agreement means that Russian citizens planning to visit EU countries will be subject to the general rules for visa issuance applicable to immigrants from third countries.

Specifically, the visa fee will increase from €35 to €80, applicants will need to provide an extended list of documents, and the maximum processing time for applications will increase to 45 days.

Issuance or denial of a visa is the prerogative of each specific state. However, following September 12, the European Commission has prepared general recommendations regarding visa policy for Russians aimed at consular offices in EU countries.

The document states that applications from Russian citizens wishing to obtain tourist visas should be processed on a non-priority basis. This means that potential tourists will be assigned the latest deadlines for discussing their applications.

At the same time, priority will be given to family members of EU citizens, journalists, dissidents, civil society representatives, students, and researchers.