On December 13, the State Duma adopted a law aimed at suspend certain provisions of Russia's international agreements concerning the easing of visa requirements for citizens of the European Union, Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Alignment of consular fees and e-visas
The above-mentioned countries have unilaterally suspended their international agreements with Russia on the mutual simplification of visas. The new Russian law stipulates that citizens of European countries will pay higher visa fees, determined by a Russian government resolution on consular fees.
Depending on the urgency, Russian visas will cost between 50 USD (49 €which is the price of an e-Visa for the destination) and 300 USD (292 €), resulting in a near tripling of revenues from visa fees, according to the explanatory note attached to the bill.
As a reminder, Russia recently closed its visa centers in France. The e-Visa allows single-entry stays of 16 days (15 nights) at most of the country's entry points.
Certain Russian visa facilities maintained
As well as increasing visa fees, this law also introduces restrictions on visa-free entry for diplomats and removes visa preferences for members of official delegations, national and regional governments and parliaments, constitutional and supreme courts, and journalists from the EU and the countries concerned. Nevertheless, certain facilities remain in place to make it easier to obtain Russian visas.
Here are a few examples of facilities that have been maintained:
- The maximum duration of visa-free stays for nationals of certain countries remains unchanged.
- Specific bilateral agreements will continue to facilitate trade between Russia and certain European countries.
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