Press Release EC: Complete Suspension of Visa Facilitation Agreement with Russia (September 2022)
Official press release from the European Commission dated September 6, 2022, proposing to fully suspend the EU-Russia Visa Facilitation Agreement (Visa Facilitation Agreement, 2007). Includes a proposal not to recognize Russian passports issued in occupied territories of Ukraine.
Official source of the document:The press release on the European Commission siteverified 2026-09-11
About this document
The official European Commission press release of 6 September 2022 on the full suspension of the 2007 EU-Russia Visa Facilitation Agreement. It explains why obtaining a Schengen visa became harder for Russian citizens from autumn 2022: the visa fee rose from 35 to 80 euro, the standard processing time grew from 10 to 15 days (maximum up to 45), and simplified access to multi-entry visas and the shortened document list were abolished. At the same time the EU stated it remains open to family members of EU citizens, journalists, dissidents and civil society representatives. Useful as a primary source for understanding EU visa policy towards Russians.
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How to use it
Read it as a primary source, not a how-to: the actual visa requirements are always set by the Italian consulate and the current Visa Code rules. The press release explains why fees and processing times grew and why the full document list now applies. See the related articles for practical visa steps. The document can be viewed page by page in the protected viewer.
Why you need it
A key regulatory document explaining the reasons for tightening the acquisition of Schengen visas for Russian citizens since 2022. Directly affects the audience of the chat (Russian speakers wishing to enter Italy/EU).
Key information
- The suspension takes effect on the second day after publication in the Official Journal of the EU; Russia is notified no later than 48 hours before the suspension takes effect.
- Consequences for Russian citizens:
- - Increase in visa fee: from 35 euros to 80 euros.
- - Increased processing time: standard - from 10 to 15 days; maximum - up to 45 days.
- - Multiple visas: simplified access is canceled.
- - Complete list of documents: no more simplified list under the Agreement.
- Exceptions - the EU remains open for: family members of EU citizens, journalists, dissidents, representatives of civil society.
- As of September 1, 2022, about 963,000 Russians had valid Schengen visas.
Related materials
Reference documents
- Table of Credits for the Integration Agreement (Annex B, Regulation 2011)
- Circular of the Italian Ministry of Interior: Exit and Re-entry with Expired permesso di soggiorno (2010 + 2016)
- Study by the National Council of Notaries: EU sanctions and transactions of Russian citizens
- Announcement of the free Italian language school Penny Wirton (Turin)
- List of Correspondences of OKSO Specialties (Russian Specialties by Classifiers 1987-2013)
- Presentation of the project "Sentimenti" - Russian-speaking community on the coast of Italy
A real document from community materials. Not legal advice - verify the official blank and current requirements on the authority site (esteri.it, interno.gov.it, portaleimmigrazione.it, questure.poliziadistato.it).