According to the report, information was confirmed by the head of the European Union‘s (EU) mission to Russia, Vygaudas Ušackas of Lithuania. In his words, short-term Schengen visas will be issued for 15 days at road checkpoints, airports and seaports.
Citizens of third countries working in the Schengen countries will also enjoy something new – they will have the opportunity to apply for long-term so-called visit visas, which allow staying in the countries for up to one year without leaving the Schengen zone. Citizens of third countries applying for the visa for the second time will be issued a visa for up to two years, while those applying for the third time may receive a visa that would be valid for up to five years. Also, persons who have been granted a Schengen visa at least once will no longer have to go to the consulate or a visa center – they will be able to submit their documents online.
In Ušackas’ words, the facilitated Schengen visa issuing procedures were proposed by the European Commission (EC) in April. The innovations should reduce the level of bureaucracy, facilitate the visa issuing procedures and increase tourist flows to Europe. The changes were prepared based on surveys of citizens of Russia, Ukraine, China, India, South Africa and Saudi Arabia.
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