European countries are prepared to open the borders to tourists after the pandemic coronavirus. However, it is unclear when it will be opened to foreign visa centers in Russia. According to the Association of tour operators of Russia, while there is only tentative restart date of the visa process.
According to “Vestnik ATOR”, last week the company VMS and visa operator of Italy in Russia – has opened the opportunity to schedule the submission of documents for visa. This was confirmed by representatives of tourist companies, but soon on the VMS website has information that all the offices are closed from 30 March until further orders, receiving and issuing of documents is not available.
the Consulate General of Italy reported that they did not know about the date of resumption of reception of documents. But even if Italy and ready to receive tourists in Russia still operate restrictive measures. So while everyone is waiting for the opening of the Russian borders.
In the consulates of other popular destinations – the Czech Republic, Greece, France, Spain – also reported that they did not know the exact dates of the beginning of the issuance of visas. Diplomats specify that all depends on the epidemiological situation of Russia and dates of the opening of the external borders of the EU (they are closed until June 15). In Genkosuljstvo Spain also noted that the government has not yet set a date for lifting the state of emergency in its territory.
From may 18 partially reopened the consular section of the Embassy of Hungary, however, apply for a Schengen visa is still not yet. Diplomats do not name the exact dates for the resumption of these activities, but promised that Hungary “will be one of the first countries”, which will begin to issue visas to Russians.
According to preliminary data, information about the timing of the resumption of reception of documents for visa will be in mid-June. Presumably, from June 15 the visa process can begin the individual European countries. In particular, such intentions have Croatia and Germany.
Earlier it was reported that Spain and ItalyI’m preparing for the abolition of antiviral measures and the meeting of foreign tourists. About the same plans said Turkey, Greece and Cyprus, however, not all countries are ready to accept Russians.
