News AER PRO GROUP

Embassy of Romania specifies when it will start issuing Schengen visas to Russians

Romania will begin processing Schengen visas for Russians for the first time from March 31. Applications can be submitted at any consulate of the country on the territory of Russia, TASS reports, citing the Romanian Embassy in Moscow.

Earlier, the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), referring to the Embassy of Bulgaria in Moscow, announced that both Bulgaria and Romania would start issuing Schengen visas to Russian tourists from April 1.

The Romanian embassy explained that Schengen visas issued after March 31 will allow entry into the Schengen area for 90 days within any 180-day period.

All consular offices in Russia will accept applications, the embassy added. There is an embassy of Romania in Moscow, as well as two consulates in St. Petersburg and Rostov-on-Don.

National visas obtained by Russians before March 31, 2024, will remain valid for visiting Romania. Holders of visas allowing two or more entries will also be allowed entry into Bulgaria and Cyprus in accordance with EU Decision No. 565/2014, clarified by the embassy.

At the end of 2023, the EU Council approved a "partial Schengen" for Bulgaria and Romania. From March 31, 2024, these countries will partially join the Schengen area. Border control between Bulgaria, Romania, and other Schengen countries will be abolished, leaving only checks at land borders.