The issuance of visas to Russia in Europe decreased by 10% – Kommersant

Over the nine months of 2023, Russia issued 225 thousand visas of all categories in European countries, said Alexey Klimov, director of the consular department of the Russian Foreign Ministry. “RIA News”. This is 10% less than for the same period in 2022. The issuance of tourist visas increased by 57%, to 141 thousand.

Mr. Klimov noted that the indicators are far from pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, 1.65 million visas were issued over nine months, including 1.1 million tourist ones.

On August 1, Russia launched an electronic visa service for citizens of 55 countries, including China, India, Iran, Turkey, as well as EU countries. Her price is $52.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in early October contributed The government has submitted a bill to increase visa fees and cancel visa benefits for citizens of the European Union countries, Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland entering the Russian Federation. The cost of visas will increase from the previously established €35–70 (approximately $37–73) to $50–300, depending on the urgency and frequency.

Leonid Uvarchev