Feature

Visas Made Easier for Russians

Germany announced their intentions to start issuing multi-entry visas for the Russians. This move comes after a 20% decrease of arrival from Germany to Russia in Q1 2011 (compared to Q1 2010) and the new visa process that was introduced in 2010 and made it equally complicated for both sides. At the moment only Russian business travellers could get a multi- entry visa to Germany, while leisure tourist will be granted only a single entry one. Tour Operators selling Germany complain that the main problem with the German visa is a personal interview which is required for any applicant apart for those who booked 5* hotels and those coming for medical or education reasons.

A much better situation is with Austria, which after the visit of the Austrian president to Moscow in May 2011 became another European country to ease its visa requirements towards Russia, with the aim of adopting a most liberal policy under the Schengen agreement. This agreement has already been introduced for France, Italy and Spain, who already give 2 year multiple- entry tourist visas to second- time applicants and 5 year multiple-entry visas to third time applicants. The other members of Schengen are much more restrictive.

Another innovation on the visa front is the introduction of 5 year visas for professionals between Russia and the European Schengen zone. The deal is likely to cover business people, journalists, law makers and members of Central and regions government. Athlets, students and Scientists may also be included. The visas would only cover short term stays (up to 90 days) and would be based on a reciprocity between Russian and the Schengen states. Talks on this agreement are still on-going.