Business Travel

European Union | Changes to Schengen visa issuance for Russian nationals

Summary

The European Union has announced changes to the issuance of short-term Schengen visas, applicable to certain Russian nationals. Single entry visas will now be the default for all Schengen visa applications submitted by Russian nationals from within the Russian Federation, with limited exceptions.

The detail

Russian nationals, resident in Russia, and applying at the consulate of a Schengen Member State in Russia, will by default only be eligible for single-entry visas except in the following circumstances where multiple-entry visas may still be issued:

1. Family members of EU nationals
2. Family members of Russian nationals, resident in the EU
3. Transport workers, including seafarers and truck drivers
4. Other specific cases, including journalists and human rights defenders

What does this mean for employers

Companies should identify any employees who may be Russian nationals and resident in Russia; and review their travel to the Schengen area, to identify how this change may affect their business travel program. Companies should also assess whether any affected employees may be able to benefit from the exemptions outlined, as these changes will result in higher costs and less flexibility for affected applicants and their employers.

Contact us

For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:

Lindsey Barras
Partner

Scherezade Maestre
Director

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