How will the stricter procedure for obtaining Schengen visas by Russian citizens be applied after the abolition of the simplified procedure?
Recently, a new procedure for obtaining Schengen visas by Russian citizens has been introduced, which entailed, in particular, the need to provide extracts from European financial institutions. This was due to the suspension of the visa facilitation agreement between the EU countries and Russia.After the suspension of the simplified procedure agreement, the provisions of the general procedure for obtaining visas by citizens entering the EU came into force, which, in particular, contains the requirement to provide documents and bank statements from banks operating in the EU.
A source in the German Foreign Ministry says: statements from European banks can be replaced by documents from financial institutions in other countries. But it is necessary that in the countries of the Schengen zone, money can be withdrawn from the card of such a bank. In this case, an account statement from such a bank will be considered as an appropriate document for submitting a visa application.
This refers to all financial institutions operating in the EU, including banks registered in third countries. However, the traveler must have access to their own finances while in the EU.
Source: https://tass.ru/obschestvo/16089739
