Russia suspends simplified visa issuance system for citizens of the European Union

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, residents of European countries will have to pay the full cost of a visa to Russia from December 25, 2023, with additional surcharges depending on the category and urgency. The reason for this is the law on the suspension of the simplified visa system for citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

The official statement says that this normative act was prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation in response to the resolution of the EU Council on the suspension of the agreement between the Russian Federation and the European Union on the simplified procedure for issuing visas to Russian citizens.

However, Russia will maintain the possibility of a simplified visa procedure for entrepreneurs, students, post-graduate students, pupils, as well as for persons participating in cultural, scientific and sports events, the Foreign Ministry added.