After the Russian attack on Ukraine, the EU agrees on another punitive measure: the visa agreement with Russia is completely suspended. Although it does not mean an entry ban for Russian citizens, it does increase the workload for applicants.
The EU will completely suspend an agreement concluded with Russia to facilitate the issuing of visas for travellers. This was announced by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell after consultations with the foreign ministers. The move is another punitive measure in response to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which has been going on for more than half a year.
The decision that has now been taken aims to enable the Member States to impose entry restrictions for Russians in an uncomplicated manner and to increase the costs and workload for applicants. For example, the visa fee will no longer be fixed at 35 euros and the standard processing time of ten calendar days after receipt of the application will no longer apply.
Borrell said the suspension of the visa agreement will significantly reduce the number of new visas issued. Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that in future it could take months for Russians to submit applications. At the same time, according to them, it will still be possible to allow students and journalists to enter the country, for example. The aim is also to prevent people from turning against the EU rather than against their own president out of frustration about Western sanctions.
So far, the visa facilitation agreement that came into force in 2007 has only been suspended for business people, government officials and diplomats. This decision was taken on February 25, shortly after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
