By Monday, Russian citizens were no longer able to obtain visas under an agreement that gave them relatively easy access to Europe’s Schengen area.
Last week, the European Council adopted a proposal to suspend the visa facilitation agreement with Russia.
This move will significantly reduce the number of new visas that will be issued to Russians to enter the Schengen area, which includes 22 EU countries and four European countries.
The Schengen visa application fee will also increase from €35 ($35) to €80 and more documents will be required. Processing times will also be longer and there will be restrictions on multiple entry visas.
Tighter rules could result in visa applications being rejected and even the cancellation of existing visas.
The EU guidelines give countries wide discretion and also provide a basis for more detailed consideration of applications.
At the same time, the EU remains open to applicants traveling for emergency reasons, in particular family members of EU citizens, journalists, dissidents and civil society representatives. Countries may reduce or eliminate visa fees for persons belonging to these groups.
