It has become almost impossible for Russians to get a Schengen visa: what restrictions have each of the EU countries introduced

As early as February 26, the European Union suspended the simplified visa regime with Russia. Some countries have severely restricted the residents of the Russian Federation in this. In which countries is it now almost impossible for Russians to obtain a Schengen visa? RBC.

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The embassies and visa centers of Belgium, Malta, the Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Estonia have already restricted the issuance of short-stay Schengen visas. And in Finland it is simply impossible to sign up for the submission of documents before the autumn, since all the dates have already been scheduled.

Belgium

From July 1, citizens of the Russian Federation have the right to apply for the issuance of only these categories of visas:

• student;
• for researchers;
• single working;
• Au Pair (for young people living and working in a host family).

Such visas are issued to Russians who plan to arrive in Belgium before September 15.

The embassy said that consideration of certain categories of visa applications is temporarily suspended due to lack of staff, and the processing of visas for all categories without exception will be resumed as soon as the diplomatic mission restores its working capacity.

Denmark

In May, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced that the embassy was suspending applications for short-stay visas and residence permits, except for official visits.

Prior to the resumption, applicants were advised to apply to the visa centers of other countries. The website of the Danish embassy states that in Kaliningrad the kingdom is represented by the Consulate General of Lithuania (but it is also impossible to apply for a short-term visa there), and in Yekaterinburg - by the Consulate General of Hungary.

Latvia

The embassy has suspended the acceptance of applications for visas for Russians for an indefinite period, this is stated on its official website. You can only apply for a visa "for humanitarian reasons" (the funeral of a close relative).

Lithuania

The country has a decree of the Seimas “On the introduction of a state of emergency” dated June 28, according to which the acceptance of applications for issuing visas to citizens of Russia and Belarus has been suspended. The restriction does not apply to:

• family members of Lithuanian and EU citizens;
• persons with a certificate of Lithuanian origin, their spouses and minor children;
• persons with a certificate of restoration of the right to citizenship of Lithuania, their spouses and minor children.

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Malta

The Embassy informs that it only accepts visa applications from Russian passport holders who are family members of EU and EEA (European Economic Area) citizens. In addition, the agency recommends that its citizens refrain from traveling to Russia.

Members of the EU/EEA family are:

• spouse of an EU/EEA citizen;
• a partner with whom the EU/EEA citizen is officially registered;
• direct descendants under the age of 21 or dependents, as well as descendants of a spouse or partner;
• dependent direct ascendants (parents and grandparents) and relatives of a spouse or partner.

To apply for a visa, you must provide proof of kinship.

According to the Visa Center, in exceptional cases it is possible to issue such visas as student, work or for reunification with Russian citizens. This will require the approval of the immigration service of the country's CVU (Central Visa Unit).

Netherlands

Since April 27, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has suspended the issuance of short-stay visas to Russian citizens. At the same time, the country's embassy considers requests for visas for humanitarian reasons and temporary residence permits.

Slovakia

The official website of the embassy states that applications for a Schengen visa C are accepted by visa centers and only in cases of emergency. Applications can be made:

• family members of EU citizens and citizens of the Russian Federation who have a long-term residence permit;
• healthcare professionals, health researchers and aged care professionals;
• shift workers;
• seasonal workers in agriculture;
• persons working in transport;
• diplomats, employees of international organizations and persons invited by international organizations;
• third-country nationals who are going to study;
• highly skilled workers, if their employment is economically necessary and if the work cannot be delayed or carried out abroad.

The Embassy of Slovakia draws attention to the fact that due to the unfavorable epidemiological situation, the possession of a Schengen visa does not guarantee the ability to enter the Schengen area.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic suspended the issuance of visas for citizens of Russia and Belarus on the basis of a government decree dated June 22. The restriction does not apply to short stay Schengen visa applications for family members of a Czech citizen or an EU citizen.

Estonia

The Estonian Embassy in Moscow does not issue short-term Schengen and long-term Estonian visas to citizens of Russia and Belarus. At the same time, an application for extradition can be submitted:

• family members of Estonian citizens and persons with a residence permit or the right to reside in Estonia;
• persons who follow to visit a seriously ill close relative or to a funeral;
• persons wishing to receive emergency medical services (in this case, it is necessary to provide an agreement concluded with an Estonian medical institution).

All previously issued visas to citizens of Russia and Belarus continue to be valid under the same conditions.

Norway

In early March, Norwegian visa centers stopped accepting applications for visas and residence permits in Russia, explaining this by technical problems. Urgent applications could be submitted at the embassy in Moscow by appointment.

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On April 4, visa centers resumed accepting documents from Russians in a limited mode. And at the end of June, the embassy warned that due to an increase in the number of people wishing to apply for a visa, the waiting time for an appointment could be increased.

Bulgaria

It is not yet included in the list of countries that issue Schengen visas. The Bulgarian national visa does not give the right to enter and stay in the Schengen area, but with its help it is possible on the territory of Romania, Croatia and Cyprus. On the territory of Bulgaria itself, you can enter on a valid double or multiple Schengen visa.

On August 5, there were reports that Bulgaria was suspending the acceptance of documents for tourist visas and visas for property owners due to an “emergency”. But already on August 6, it became known that Bulgaria continues to issue tourist visas to Russians, but the deadlines for performing the service have been increased "for technical reasons."

Cyprus

Since May 2009, Russians traveling to Cyprus on a direct flight from Russia could apply for a proviso - a preliminary entry permit, which was issued on an online application.

The visa was stamped in the passport at the airport upon arrival in Cyprus. However, after the closure of the airspace between the EU and Russia, the issuance of provisions was suspended. You can enter the territory of Cyprus on a double or multiple Schengen visa, on double or multiple national visas of Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia - a preliminary visit to these countries is not required.

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