Russia suspends simplified procedure for issuing visas to citizens of European countries

Following an agreement between Russia and the European Union on mutual simplification of visa procedures for citizens, benefits were introduced in 2007 for citizens of EU countries, as well as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein. However, last September, the EU suspended its part of the treaty, and now Russia has responded symmetrically.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, "The above normative legal act was prepared by the Russian Foreign Ministry on behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation as a response to the resolution of the Council of the EU."

At the same time, unlike Europe, Russia will retain the possibility of simplified visas for schoolchildren, students, businessmen, scientists and athletes. From December 25 for all other citizens the visa fee will no longer be 35 euros, as before, but 80 euros, and the procedure for obtaining them will be much more time-consuming compared to the previous conditions.