11/08/2019 16:40

Schengen Visa Applications in Russia

[IMG=18804-4443] In 2007–2008, The European Union will adopt new rules for issuing Schengen visas, including those for Russians. Everybody who wishes to apply will have to contact personally the Consular Section of the diplomatic services. On the 13th of January - during a press conference devoted to the priorities of Austria in the EU, Martin Vukovich, the EU Ambassador from Austria, pointed out that the new rules imply it will no longer be possible to apply for visas via agents or by post. The changes in visa procedures are the result of introduction of biometrical data, which is to be checked on-site. ‘We understand that introduction of the new rules will be problematic for a country as big as Russia. Therefore we need to reorganize all the processes to fasten visa issuing procedure’, said Vukovich. According to him, to establish unified Schengen offices could be the solution to the problem. However, when interviewed by BANKO, leading players in the Russian travel market were not inclined to agree with him. They believe that the changes in the visa issuing process will result in a drop in demand for European destinations, especially in the Russian regions. Mikhail Degtyaryov, Head of Germany and Switzerland DSBW explained that: ‘Schengen offices will most probably appear only in central towns of the regions. For people not from these main cities, it is more convenient to receive visa via an agency; it is doubtful all citizens of a region will be prepared to go to its central town to get a visa. They just won't travel to Europe anymore’. And Elena Danilova, Head of the European Tourism Department at Inna Tour, added: ‘In the consular section of the Embassy of the Netherlands an interview is compulsory and as a result the flow of tourists to the country is very low’. Furthermore, the changes could elongate the visa application process, as even Embassies are not prepared to such work volume. For example, the Consular Section of the Austrian Embassy in Moscow is known for its' enormous queues in the high season - and the changes can only make the situation worse. Besides, not all tourists can deal with necessary documents independently - and are competent at being interviewed in an Embassy. Representatives of the Russian travel market complain that having promised to relax visa requirements for Russians, in fact the EU are toughening them up.