11/08/2019 16:38

Creation of a Unified Schengen Visa Office in Moscow

[IMG=18878-4522] On January 24th a BANKO correspondent interviewed Consular Representatives and tour operating companies regarding the possible introduction of a unified Schengen Visa Office in Moscow. As reported in The Banko Daily News Bulletin on January 13th, such a possibility was initially raised by The Austrian Ambassador, Martin Vukovich. The majority of travel agencies in Moscow remain unaware of the possible changes, and experts do not believe the project can be realized in two years. Svetlana Kostusik is Head of the Visa Department at the large Moscow travel company BSI; Kostusik stated that ‘the Embassies we have contact with have not mentioned any changes’. This is not the only reason to be sceptical about the proposed changes. Yuryi Stepin is Head of the Visa Department at the PAK Group - another large Moscow agency; Stepin emphasized that prior to any such change ‘it would first be necessary to at least unify the requirements for Schengen visas applications in all countries; at the moment they differ from one country to the next’. Meanwhile, even diplomatic missions could not give any clear information about the planned project. Frank Sherven is Head of The Visa Department at the Embassy of Norway in Moscow; Sherven admitted: ‘I haven’t heard anything about a unified Schengen office’. He was not alone amongst Consulate representatives questioned by Banko reporters. Most Russian travel industry experts believe that it will be up to the Austrian Embassy to provide the momentum to ensure the successful development of a Schengen Visa Office. Experts add that the introduction of special courier service to link Consulates with agencies would do more to aid the visa application process than the creation of a unified office.