What visa requirements will change in 2019?
The European Parliament and the Council have previously agreed on amendments to the visa code: the process of obtaining short-stay visas will be simplified.
The visa fee can increase by 20 euros (up to 80 euros), for minors (from six to twelve years old) - by 5 euros (up to 40 euros). Students and scientists do not pay the fee.
The increase in the cost of visas is not likely to affect the Russians, as for a number of countries agreements on simplification of the visa regime set lower fees. In Russia - 35 euros, but here is added the service fee of visa centers. Plus the system is the introduction of a coordinated approach to the issuance of multiple-entry visas to permanent travelers “with a positive visa history” for an increasing period of 1 to 5 years.
On February 17, a visa-free regime will begin between Russia and Russia. United Arab Emirates.
Citizens of Russia and the UAE are holders of all types of valid passports who do not intend to work, study or live in the territory of another state, are exempt from visa requirements and have the right to enter, stay or transit through the territory of another state without visas for up to 90 days.
Agreement with Iran Visa-free group tours can also earn. Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Ivanov believes that the document will provide for the possibility of visa-free entry and stay for 15 days for tourist groups from 5 to 50 people on a reciprocal basis.
On January 7, 2019, an agreement on the mutual abolition of visas between Russia and the Caribbean state of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines entered into force, and since January 14, such an agreement has been in place with Dominica.
Specialists of travel companies say that St. Vincent and the Grenadines are fashionable private resorts. Dominica is located in the Caribbean Sea, and attracts ecotourists and travelers from cruise ships.
Possible waiver of visas with Japan It is discussed: “This issue has been raised recently by the foreign ministers. Indeed, such an event would be very significant and would immediately raise the exchange of tourists to a qualitatively different level, said Maxim Oreshkin, head of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.
According to tour operators, the visa-free regime will not lead to an increase in tourist traffic: The Russians will be interested in Japan, and the Caribbean island states will not, because the tourist infrastructure is not developed and there are no direct flights.
The visa issue is important for tourists who have not yet processed these documents. Daria Toropova, head of the client department of the online service for searching and booking tours, notes that there are subtleties when applying for a visa to EU countries.
For example, sometimes the nationality of a tourist is important: some Schengen countries carefully consider the documents of residents of the Caucasian republics.
D. Toropova: there are no problems in issuing visas for mass destinations. You need to purchase a tour in advance so that there is time to prepare documents. “Difficult” are considered to be countries in which the visa processing period is long. France and Austria. In India A complex electronic questionnaire that not everyone can fill out immediately. Due to the fact that India is a mass destination, the consulate issues visas on time.