European countries continue to tighten the process of issuing short-term Schengen visas for Russians. And many are strengthening border control of their territories. Getting Schengen is becoming more difficult, but this opportunity remains.
Visas for Russian tourists continue to be issued by Austria, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, France, Switzerland and Sweden.
What documents are needed
📎 Valid passport and its copy. The passport must have at least two blank pages for a visa and a stamp.
📎 A completed application form (it can be downloaded from the visa center website) and two color photographs (3.5 by 4.5 cm).
📎 Printed tickets and accommodation booking documents are required to confirm the purpose of the trip. In some cases, you need a paid voucher for checking into a hotel or an apartment rental agreement.
📎 It is important to provide information that will allow you to assess the tourist’s intention to leave the country before the visa expires. For example, a return ticket, proof of ownership of real estate, an employment contract with a Russian employer, etc. will be suitable. euros per day).
📎 Medical insurance for the entire duration of the trip.
Depending on the country, additional documents may be required: check on the website of the consulate or visa center. We also remind you that the period for reviewing documents has been increased from 10 to 15 days, in some cases – up to 45 days. And the visa fee for adults increased to 80 euros, for children – to 40 euros.
Important updates by country
Germany
In addition to paid tickets, you must now include proof of payment for the booked accommodation when submitting your application. Insurance must be issued only by European companies and provided in English or German, or with a translation into one of them.
Also, when applying for a tourist visa, you are required to provide a statement from a foreign bank. A document issued by both a European bank and a bank of a third country will do – the main thing is that the cards work within the European Union.
Italy
From December 15, 2022, the consulate will only accept ten-year biometric passports. Old documents (for 5 years) will not be considered. If you have two valid passports, you must now provide both.
Iceland
The consent of the Icelandic Embassy is now required to apply for a visa. To do this, you need to write to visa.moskva@utn.is, indicating the purpose of the trip.
Cyprus
When applying for a national visa, Russian tourists must provide documents confirming their solvency: a certificate from their place of work, a bank statement or proof of sponsorship.
From December 1, applying for a national visa will become paid. The fee will be 80 euros for an adult tourist and 40 euros for a child from 6 to 12 years old.
Slovenia
The processing time for visa applications has been increased to 45 days. For travel for tourism purposes, the consulate issues only single-entry visas. In addition, you must provide medical insurance issued by a foreign company.
The information in the article is being supplemented and updated.
