Worldwide/Russia: Update on Visa Suspensions for Russian and Belarusian Nationals

• • Suspension of Schengen Facilitation Agreement with Russia. The European Council suspended the short-stay visa facilitation agreement with Russia in September 2022. Short-term travel to the Schengen area for all Russian citizens therefore became more complicated, more expensive, more burdensome, and slower to secure. In October 2022, the European Commission issued additional guidelines to EU Member States on more strictly scrutinizing short-term Schengen visa applications and handling border crossings by Russian citizens. Each EU Member State may or may not implement the guidelines, as it is guidance only. 
  • Entry restrictions. Some European countries have suspended entry for Russian nationals regardless of whether they hold a valid Schengen visa. 
  • Visa and permit suspensions. Some European countries have temporarily suspended issuance of Schengen visas and residence permits to Russian and in some cases Belarusian nationals. There may be some exemptions.
  • Travel impacts for Russian nationals. Some European countries have restrictions for Russian/Belarussian nationals transiting through their countries. Additionally, the United States, the European Union, other European countries and Canada have closed their airways to Russian flights, and several airlines have limited travel over Russia, causing delays in travel routes. Travelers should check with their specific airline for more information. 
  • Increased scrutiny of applications. Employers and applicants should be aware that visa and permit applications for Belarusian or Russian nationals, as well as in some cases visa-on-arrival or visa-exempt entries, may be subject to increased scrutiny, including in countries that have not introduced any formal entry, travel or visa/permit restrictions. Such increased scrutiny may result in increased application complexity longer processing times. If concerned, affected individuals should consult their immigration advisor.
  • Golden visa suspensions. Some European countries’ residence-by-investment programs are no longer available to Russian nationals. Affected Russian nationals should check with their consular post for specific information.

   

Employers with Russian and Belarusian national employees should take these suspensions into account for in-process and upcoming moves, and notify their employees of any travel implications. Affected individuals should contact their immigration professional for specific information.