The countries of the European Union have introduced a visa information system that will process data on those who want to obtain a Schengen visa. This system has been operating for a long time, but every year more and more countries take the system into circulation. Because it is convenient, practical and safe. The new visa system links national systems and consulates in countries where the border of the Schengen area passes. This allows them to share information about visa holders.
Since 2015, the new rules have been in effect for Russian citizens. You can get a visa at any of the consulates of any of the countries of the European Union. Spain, France and Greece are best treated as Russian citizens. Therefore, if possible, it is better to contact the diplomatic missions of these countries. The visa information system greatly simplifies the procedure for subsequent obtaining permission to enter any of the European countries. Re-obtaining or extending visas for foreign citizens can take place automatically - you will not even need to go to an appointment at the Embassy.
Having a Schengen visa, with its new changes that have only made it better, you can still, without any difficulty, travel and travel from one agreement country to another, without problems at the border, and hassle with documents. The new rules, which came into force in September 2015, did not bring any special changes, but only made it easier to obtain and further use a visa.
What documents may be needed?
According to the new rules, in order to obtain permission to enter Europe, citizens of non-European states do not have to apply to the visa center for paperwork. Alternatively, the embassies of European states, or the consulates of these countries in the applicant's home country, can serve. As for the documents that are needed to apply for a visa, their list has remained unchanged. It includes:
- Application form for a visa. An example of the questionnaire can be downloaded from the website of the embassy of the country to which you plan to travel. It is important to indicate truthful information in it so as not to spoil your visa history;
- Photo. You will need two photographs of your face without glasses, accessories or other decorations. Photo requirements can also be found on the embassy website;
- International passport. It is important that it be valid at the time of entry into the territory of European states, and at the time of the planned return of the country;
- Medical insurance policy. To travel to Europe, you will need an insurance policy that covers at least 30,000 euros. To apply for a policy, you can apply directly to the visa center;
- Documents confirming solvency. In order for the employees of the embassy or consulate not to have questions about who and how will support you in European countries, it is important to confirm your solvency. For this, bank statements, income statements and cash are suitable;
- Documents confirming that you are working or studying. This is necessary so that the consulate had no doubts about your desire to return to your homeland without fail.
If you went to any European country as a tourist, then you need to provide certain documents that will prove that you are going on vacation.
- Travel voucher, proof of residence;
- Round trip tickets;
- Other documents as needed.
The new visa system brought some changes. Now that you have all the required documents provided above, you need to provide the embassy with your biometric data. Embassy staff will need your voice, a sample of your handwriting, a digital photograph, and all of your fingerprints. Thanks to the new system, after you submit your biometric data, there will be much less problems with obtaining a visa. This will be due to the fact that all your basic data that you submitted in order to obtain a Schengen visa will be stored in a single center. And soon it will be possible to apply for a visa at a distance. The data should be updated every five years.
The advantage of the new Schengen visa is that all European countries will have access to information about those citizens who already have a Schengen visa. Such innovations weed out scammers who hide behind other people's documents.
The Schengen visa itself, which allows you to travel around Europe without obstacles, is prestigious and very profitable. And thanks to the new rules that have existed since 2015, it is also convenient and safe.
Types of Schengen visas
Innovations have not affected the usual classification of Schengen visas. But there are certain changes that you can take advantage of, as they greatly simplify your stay in Europe. So, for example, now, Russian citizens can stay in the Eurozone for half a year within one year, with the only exception that during these six months they must leave the Eurozone at least twice.
- Category A visa: The principle of this visa is that you will only be allowed to stay in the airport area. And that's not all. Such a visa is suitable for those who want to transfer some kind of cargo to a specific person or individual;
- Category B visa: suitable for the transport of goods, things or documents through the country. But such a journey should not last more than five days;
- Category C visa: this visa is suitable for tourists, it allows you to travel to all Schengen countries;
- Category D visa: suitable for those who would like to stay in a certain country for a long time. It also allows you to make transit transportation throughout the Schengen area.
All these categories of visas can be both multiple and single entry. Tourist, work and study visas also need to be considered separately. The new visa rules adopted in September 2015 did not change the general procedure for issuing visas, and did not make any adjustments to their classification.
Has the cost changed?
This question worries many. It was assumed that after the introduction of new rules, the consular fee for a Schengen visa will increase to sixty euros. But such an innovation will not affect the inhabitants of the Russian Federation. Thanks to the agreement between the countries of the European Union and Russia, the duty remains the same as it was. Therefore, today the fee is thirty-five euros.
As for the visa centers, the new visa rules bypassed them. And, therefore, the duty and assistance of the center are paid differently. It is up to you to decide through whom you will make a visa, of course it is more convenient through the consulate, but there is a possibility that they may make a mistake or not accept you. But the centers do not have the right to do a scan, which means that you will have to look into the embassy of one of the European states.
To apply for a visa under the new rules, you need to remember the basic conditions for staying in the Schengen countries, as well as the rules for entry and exit, especially if you decide to stay in Europe all one hundred and eighty days. This will help make your holiday enjoyable and not complicate it with unnecessary problems.
Such innovations in the visa issuance system not only make life easier for tourists, greatly simplifying the process of obtaining a Schengen visa, but also help to keep scammers, terrorists and the flow of illegal migrants under control. Plus, extending the maximum stay in the Eurozone will allow you to diversify your vacation or complete all the things you have planned.
