Which countries do not issue Schengen visas to Russians?

The Estonian foreign minister has proposed a ban on EU visas for Russians. Earlier, the European Commission ruled out such measures. Nevertheless some countries have already restricted issuance of tourist "Schengen visas".

Visa for serious reasons only

Belgium

According to the visa centre, from the 1st of July it is possible to apply only for the following visa categories:

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

These visas are issued to citizens who plan to arrive in Belgium before September the 15th.

According to the Belgian Embassy, the processing of certain categories of visa applications has been temporarily suspended due to lack of personnel, and visa processing of 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 announced that the embassy was suspending the acceptance of applications for short-term visas and residence permits, except for official visits. Pending the resumption, applicants were advised to apply to visa centres in other countries. The website of the Danish embassy in Kaliningrad shows that Denmark is represented by the Consulate General of Lithuania (which also does not accept short term visas) and the Consulate General of Hungary in Ekaterinburg.

Latvia

The embassy has indefinitely suspended the acceptance of visa applications for Russians, according to the official website. It is possible to apply for a visa "for humanitarian reasons" (e.g. the funeral of a close relative).

Lithuania

The country has a decree of the Seimas "On the proclamation of the state of emergency" as of June the 28th. According to this decree, the visa applications to the citizens of Russia and Belarus are 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 Lithuanian citizenship, their spouses and minor children.

Malta

The Maltese Embassy only accepts visa applications from Russian passport holders who are family members of EU and EEA (European Economic Area) citizens. It also advises its citizens to refrain from travelling to Russia.

EU/EEA family members include:

•     the spouse of an EU/EEA national;
•     a partner with whom the EU/EEA national is officially registered;
•     direct descendants under 21 years of age or dependent descendants of the spouse or partner;
•     dependent direct relatives in the ascending line (parents, grandparents) and relatives of the spouse or partner.

Documentary proof of kinship must be provided in order to apply for a visa.

According to the visa application centre, visas such as student visas, work visas or reunion visas for Russian citizens can be issued in exceptional cases. The approval of the CVU (Central Visa Unit, the central immigration authority of the Government of Malta) will be required.

Netherlands

Since April the 27th, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has suspended issuing short-term visas to Russian citizens. However, the country's embassy is considering requests for visas for humanitarian reasons and temporary residence permits, as well as those deemed a priority under bilateral agreements.

Slovakia

The official website of the embassy states that applications for Schengen visa C are accepted by visa centres and only in cases of absolute necessity. Applications may be submitted by:

•    family members of EU citizens and Russian citizens who hold a long-term residence permit;
•     health care workers, health care researchers and caregivers of elderly people;
•     shift workers;
•     seasonal workers in agriculture;
•     persons working in the area of transport;
•     diplomats, employees of international organisations and persons invited by international organisations;
•    third-country nationals who are travelling for training;
•     highly qualified workers, if their employment is economically necessary and if the work cannot be postponed or carried out abroad.

The Embassy of Slovakia also draws attention to the fact that, due to the unfavourable epidemiological situation, possession of a Schengen visa does not guarantee entry into the Schengen area.

Czech Republic

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

Estonia

The Estonian Embassy in Moscow has suspended the acceptance of applications for short-term Schengen and long-term Estonian visas from citizens of Russia and Belarus. However, applicants may include:

•     family members of Estonian citizens and persons with a residence permit or right of residence in Estonia;
•     persons visiting a seriously ill close relative or attending a funeral;
•     persons who wish to receive emergency medical services (in this case, a contract concluded with an Estonian medical facility must be submitted).

According to the Estonian Embassy, all visas previously issued to citizens of Russia and Belarus continue to be valid under the same conditions.

No bans, but with qualifications

Slovenia

Since February the 28th, it has been possible to apply for a visa to Slovenia only with a valid ticket to this country. Train or car tickets are not accepted as proof of travel. European skies have been closed to Russian airlines since late February. Russia has imposed retaliatory measures, which also apply to Slovenia. This means that a ticket of any carrier other than Slovenian or Russian airlines will be required for a visa application. The embassy’s site also states that visas to Slovenia are not yet issued in the Latvian consular office in Kaliningrad.

Norway

The Norwegian visa centres in early March stopped accepting visa and residence permit applications in Russia explaining this as due to technical problems. Urgent applications could be submitted at the embassy in Moscow by appointment. On April the 4th, the visa centres resumed accepting documents from Russians on a limited basis. In late June, the embassy warned that the waiting time for an appointment may be extended due to the increase in the number of applicants. The application review itself is now also prolonged up to 45 days.

National visas for European countries

Bulgaria

Not yet included in the list of countries that issue Schengen visas. A Bulgarian national visa does not entitle a holder to enter and stay in the Schengen area, but with its help this may be possible on the territory of Romania, Croatia and Cyprus. Entry into Bulgaria itself is possible with a valid double or multiple Schengen visa.

In July the deadline for issuing tourist visas to Russians was extended due to technical reasons. On August the 5th, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced the expulsion of 14 Bulgarian diplomats, a response to the expulsion of 70 Russian diplomats by Sofia in late June. Bulgaria's visa centres have not been accepting visa applications with a consular fee since the 25th of March.

Cyprus

Since May 2009, Russians travelling to Cyprus by direct flights from Russia could apply for a proviso - a preliminary entry permit issued on electronic application. Under this procedure, the visa was stamped in the passport at the airport upon arrival in Cyprus. However, since the closure of airspace between the EU and Russia, the issuing of visas has been suspended, according to the official website of the Consulate of the Republic. One may also enter Cyprus territory upon a double or multiple Schengen visa, upon double or multiple national visas of Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia, and it is not required to visit these countries beforehand.

Source - RBC