Bulgaria will start issuing Schengen visas to Russians beginning April 1.
Key Points:
- Bulgarian authorities have announced the commencement of issuing Schengen visas to Russian citizens from April 1, 2024.
- The processing duration for visa applications will align with the standards of other Schengen Zone nations, as confirmed by the TASS agency.
- Visa-related procedures will be managed by staff members of the Bulgarian embassy in Moscow and the Consulate General in St. Petersburg.
Details:
Bulgaria is set to initiate the issuance of Schengen visas to Russian nationals, commencing April 1, 2024. The decision, announced by Bulgarian authorities, ensures that the processing time for visa applications will be in line with the norms observed by other Schengen Zone countries, as corroborated by reports from the TASS agency.
As per the announcement, visa-related tasks will be undertaken by personnel from the Bulgarian embassy located in Moscow, along with the Consulate General in St. Petersburg. This strategic move by Bulgaria signifies a step forward in facilitating travel and fostering diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The decision to grant Schengen visas to Russian citizens comes amidst ongoing geopolitical developments, including the recent imposition of stringent sanctions on Russia by the European Union in response to the conflict in Ukraine.
Starting April 1, Bulgarian and Romanian authorities will begin issuing Schengen C visas, allowing entry and temporary stay within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This development follows the partial accession of Bulgaria and Romania by air and sea, effective from March 31, which eliminates the need for passport controls for air and sea travel. However, passport checks will continue to be enforced for land border crossings.
European Commission officials have expressed expectations for the completion of land border accession procedures following the European Parliament elections. Additionally, it has been emphasized that both Bulgaria and Romania are obligated to implement all Schengen Agreements effective March 31.
Earlier reports from the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST) suggest that the visa application process for Schengen visas has become more streamlined for Russian citizens. Certain countries have been noted to offer quicker visa processing times for Russian nationals, facilitating smoother travel arrangements.