MOSCOW, January 17. /TASS/. Italy and France are the most liberal countries in terms of issuing multiple Schengen visas to Russians, according to a statement by the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR).
"According to visa specialists, France and Italy are among the most lenient countries in terms of issuing "long" visas (for six months and a year). Austria, Hungary and Slovenia usually issue single entry visas. The Greek consulate issues short and single entry visas," the statement says.
ATOR reiterated that Austria, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Spain, France, Hungary, Slovenia and Switzerland are still accepting Schengen visa documents from Russians for tourist trips. According to tour operators, it will take an average of two and a half to three weeks to get a Schengen visa in Moscow.
Currently, as in the fall, the visa centers of France and Spain are having difficulties with free slots for filing documents by appointment, ATOR added.
After the New Year holidays, it became easier to sign up to apply at the Italian visa center in Moscow. There have been no changes in requirements for the package of documents for Russian applicants. Countries that issue visas for Russians for tourist trips are subject to the same rules.
Germany has the most stringent requirements. To obtain a visa to this country, Russians must have a bank account in the EU, as well as insurance from a European insurance company. Similar insurance requirements are imposed by the consulates of Slovenia and Malta.