EU suspends visa travel deal with Russia

The Council of the European Union has adopted a decision that fully suspends the visa facilitation agreement between the EU and Russia.

That's according to a statement posted on the website of the Council of the EU on Friday, September 9, Ukrinform reports.

Consequently, the general rules of the visa code will apply to Russian citizens.

The decision is expected to enter into force on the day of its adoption and will apply as of September 12, 2022.

This will result in an increase in the visa application fee from EUR 35 to EUR 80, the need to present additional documentary evidence, increased visa processing times and more restrictive rules for the issuance of multiple-entry visas.

The standard deadline for consulates to take a decision on visa applications will increase from 10 to 15 days. This period may be extended up to a maximum of 45 days in individual cases, when further scrutiny of the application is needed.