Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu said his country aims to prevent most Russian citizens from entering Estonian territory within weeks.
After the two-day meeting with other EU foreign ministers held in Prague, Reinsalu told Reuters that while it might take some time to stop most Russians from enter the country, it is essential to do so, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
Furthermore, the minister said that Estonia will strive to find a solution in the region through cooperation with its regional partners.
Moreover, Reinlau also stressed that he would welcome decisions that would allow Estonia, in full compliance with the Schengen visa code, to deny entry to all Russians, regardless of the issuing country. their visas, explains Reuters.
At the time, Reinsalu said such a decision was right because Estonia wanted to deprive Russians of the possibility of continuing to live normally.
Nevertheless, it has been pointed out that exemptions will apply to Russian students pursuing their studies in Estonia and to certain other categories of travellers.
Other countries are expected to apply stricter rules to Russians applying for Schengen visas now that EU foreign ministers have reached an agreement on the issue.
At a meeting held on August 31 in Prague, EU foreign ministers agreed to suspend visa facilitation deal with Russia which was achieved in 2017.
The decision to suspend such an agreement was confirmed by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
Borrell said the move was necessary because the number of Russians reaching EU countries for travel purposes has increased dramatically, as if there were no war in Ukraine.
“This will significantly reduce the number of new visas issued by EU member states. It’s going to be more difficult; it’s going to take longer.” read Borrell’s statement.
This decision means that Russian citizens will now have to pay a visa application fee of €80 instead of €35.
In addition, Russians will also be subject to stricter rules when applying for a visa. They will have to submit additional documents and will have to wait longer for an appointment and a response to their requests.
The decision to suspend the deal with Russia was welcomed by EU member states, especially those calling for tough measures.
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