The number of Russians who want to get a Schengen visa is increasing sharply
Russians already face difficulties traveling to Europe. Some countries to the Kremlin war protest stopped issuing tourist visas to Russians
The number of Russians applying for Schengen visas has increased sharply amid calls for a travel ban on Russians in Europe. “Kommersant” newspaper reported about this with reference to officials of tourism agencies news spread
Manager of “Vizakhod” company Marina Shirokova told the newspaper that there has been a 40 percent increase in applications for Schengen visas in the last two weeks.
A 90-day Schengen visa allows a person to travel to 26 European countries for tourism or business purposes. Any country of the Schengen zone issues such a visa.
Plan of Estonia
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on August 8 Europe He called on the European Union (EU) to impose a ban on Russian tourists, thereby punishing Moscow for its sixth month of occupation.
Three days later, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Urmas Reinsalu said that he was issued a Schengen visa by his country Russia will ban its citizens from entering Estonia. However, according to him, these visas will be considered valid for entry to other member countries.
Russians already face difficulties traveling to Europe. Some countries to the Kremlin war protest stopped issuing tourist visas to Russians.
In addition, the EU Russia for weather closed the place.
As a result, many Russians with Schengen visas have to fly to Europe through the Baltic countries or Finland. If Estonia carries out its plan, this road will be difficult for the Russians.
90 percent reduction
Compared to before the war, the number of Russians going to Europe has decreased by 90 percent. This to “Kommersant”. Russia Maya Lomidze, executive director of the Association of Tourism Operators, said.
According to him, mostly Russians who want to get a Schengen visa Franceinterested in traveling to resort areas in Italy, Spain and Greece.
Germany, the largest country in Europe, opposes the ban on visas for all Russians. Chancellor Olaf Scholtz said that it will hurt “innocent people”.