EU tightens visa process for Russian citizens

Consulates of several European Union countries have introduced stricter visa application requirements for Russian citizens over the age of 18, the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) announced.

Visa centres in countries such as Bulgaria, Hungary, Spain, Italy, Malta, Croatia, Estonia, and Hungary now require all applicants, regardless of their travel purpose, to submit a detailed employment history for the past 10 years, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

This document must be obtained from Russia's Pension and Social Insurance Fund and must feature either a digital or handwritten signature. Individual entrepreneurs must provide additional documents, including a personal income tax certificate and an extract from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities or an OGRN (main state registration number) certificate. Unemployed applicants are required to submit documentation proving their ties to Russia.

ATOR suggests that this requirement may soon extend to all EU consulates, following changes implemented by the European Commission on September 11. The updated list of required documents for Schengen visa applications now includes a work certificate, a salary statement for the past six months, and proof of return travel, such as a ticket or reservation. Applicants must also provide proof of accommodation, including hotel reservations or rental agreements.

Additionally, ATOR announced that all Schengen consulates will be closed on November 4 for National Unity Day, with several consulates — Spain, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovenia, and Croatia — also closing on November 1 for All Saints' Day. The Swedish Consulate and Visa Center have also temporarily halted Schengen visa document submissions.

On October 15, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on EU leaders to adopt a unified approach to issuing visas to Russian citizens. In her letter, she emphasized the need for stronger measures in light of potential security risks posed by arrivals from Russia.

Von der Leyen indicated that the EU is working toward greater clarity on the matter by the end of the year and noted that the rate of visa denials for Russians has risen since the conflict in Ukraine began. However, she stressed that the EU must further reinforce its message to Russians regarding the consequences of the war.

By Tamilla Hasanova