Switzerland, which is not part of the European Union, has suspended visa facilitation with Russia. From September 19, Russians will have to pay a visa fee of 80 euros instead of 35, the period for considering applications will be extended, students, journalists and truck drivers will no longer be privileged categories and will receive visas on a general basis
Switzerland suspends visa facilitation with Russia
Switzerland, which is not a member of the European Union, has suspended the simplified visa regime with Russia. From September 19, Russians will have to pay a visa fee of 80 euros instead of 35, the period for considering applications will be extended, students, journalists and truck drivers will no longer be privileged categories and will receive visas on a general basis. Earlier, the European Union abolished the simplified visa regime, which has been in effect for Russians since 2007. A number of countries have stopped issuing visas to Russian tourists, including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium. At the same time, most EU countries allow journalists, students, scientists, those who go to see close relatives or enter Europe for other reasons not related to tourism. Malta only accepts visa applications from relatives of EU citizens. Finland has significantly reduced the number of tourist visas issued in Russia, but has not banned entry. In Italy, Germany, Portugal, France, Greece and other countries, except for the above, entry is open, visas are issued. More about visas to Europe – in our material .