EU completely suspends simplified visa regime with Russia

This was reported by the Council of the EU.

On September 9, the Council of the European Union decided to suspend the simplified visa regime from the Russian Federation. It enters into force on the day of adoption and will be applied from September 12.

Starting today, the visa fee for Russians will increase from 35 to 80 euros. Also, citizens of the Russian Federation will have to provide additional documents. The term of issuing visas and the number of restrictive rules for issuing multiple-entry visas will increase.

Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakushan says that this decision is a direct consequence of Russia's actions.

"The Visa Facilitation Agreement provides privileged access to the EU to citizens of trusted partners with whom we share common values. With its unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians, Russia has broken that trust and trampled on the fundamental values ​​of our international community. Today's decision is a direct consequence of Russia's actions and another proof of our steadfast commitment to Ukraine and its people," Rakushan emphasized.

The agreement on the simplified visa regime between Russia and the EU came into effect on June 1, 2007. After February 24, 2022, the EU partially suspended the agreement for political figures of the Russian Federation.

The full suspension applies to all categories of travelers coming to the EU for a short period of time. The European Commission is expected to provide further guidance to ensure that the suspension of the visa facilitation does not adversely affect journalists, dissidents and civil society representatives.