How to apply for a Schengen visa from Russia

Citizens of Russia may be surprised to learn that they need a visa to enter many countries in Europe. A mainland European country, Russia borders several EU and Schengen countries, including Finland, Latvia, and Poland—without being a member of either zone. In addition to not being one of the 26-Schengen visa countries, Russia does not have visa-free access to the area. As a result, its citizens will need to obtain a Schengen visa from Russia in order to enter the Schengen area. Once you meet the Schengen visa requirements for Russians, you can start applying for a short-stay Schengen visa from Russia. If you receive one, you will be able to stay up to 90 days in the zone, which includes countries like France, Germany, and Italy. This blog will help you determine how to meet these requirements to ultimately obtain a Schengen visa for citizens of Russia and its residents. 

Applying for a short-stay Schengen visa from Russia

• 1. Determine when to travel 
  • Russians should apply for their Schengen visa so that they receive it well before they need to travel to the Schengen area. To make sure that you get your visa before your trip, you should be mindful of Schengen visa processing times (two weeks for most applicants). Therefore, even if you don’t know the specific dates for your trip to the Schengen area, plan ahead so that you have a general idea of when you should leave (and therefore when you should apply). 
• 2. Determine what “type” of Schengen visa you need 
  • When you apply for your Schengen visa from Russia, you will be asked to select the “type” of visa that best describes your purpose for travelling. For example, if you are traveling from Russia to the Schengen area in order to have an operation in a hospital in the zone, you should apply for a “Medical Schengen visa.” Another example—if you are a Russian businessperson who is traveling to conduct business in the zone, you should apply for a “Business Schengen visa.”
  • Think carefully about your main reason for traveling and select the purpose that best reflects it. See the complete list of Schengen visa types available to Russian citizens here.
• 3. Determine what “entry category” of Schengen visa you need
  • In addition to selecting your visa type, you will also be asked to specify the kind of “entry category” that you need. 
  • There are three kinds of entries for the Schengen visa from Russia: single, double, and multiple. 
  • If you apply for a single-entry Schengen visa, you will be limited to one entry to the Schengen area (meaning that once you enter the zone, you will not be allowed to return to it again if you leave). A single-entry Schengen visa from Russia is therefore the most restrictive entry category. You should therefore only apply for this entry category if you know you will not need to return to the zone after you leave it. 
  • Russians who receive a double entry Schengen visa will be able to re-enter the Schengen area again after exiting, which makes the double-entry Schengen visa less restrictive than the single.
  • Finally, a multiple-entry Schengen visa is the most flexible option for Russians who anticipate traveling back and forth between Russia and the Schengen area. With multiple (unlimited) entries and exits to the zone, you can travel in and out of it as many times as you like throughout your 90-day Schengen visa validity period.    
• 4. Determine your main destination in the Schengen area 
  • Where do you apply for a Schengen visa from Russia? Russians should select their main destination in the Schengen area—i.e. the country where they intend to spend the most time while on their trip. You will apply for your Schengen visa from this country (for example, a Russian who is exclusively traveling to France should apply for a French Schengen visa). 
  • However, most Russians travel to more than one country in the Schengen area, meaning they will have to select their primary destination from among the various states they visit. For example, if you are traveling to Spain, Portugal, and Italy, but spending the majority of your time in Italy, then you will apply for a Schengen visa from Italy. 
  • However, if you are spending an equal number of days in the above states, you will apply through the country where you are first entering the Schengen area. So, if the first time you enter the Schengen area involves you flying directly from Moscow to Rome, you should apply for an Italian Schengen visa, even if you are spending an equal number of days in Italy, Portugal, and Spain. 
• 5. Determine where in Russia to apply 
  • Where do you apply for Schengen visa in Russia? Apply for your Schengen visa from Russia through the consulate, embassy, or visa application center of the Schengen country that you identify as your primary travel destination. 
  • For example, if you have identified France as your primary travel destination, you will apply for your French Schengen visa through the French consulate in Moscow. 
  • Because Russia is such a large country, you may have to travel far in order to formally apply for your visa. However, most Schengen countries have consulates/embassies (or visa processing centers) located in the capital and also throughout major cities. 
• 6. Assemble your required documents
  • Schengen visa requirements for Russians include the submission of a number of documents and materials, which include:
    • Russian passport (or other valid country passport).
    • Schengen visa application form.
    • Schengen visa fee (Schengen visa fees for Russians are typically 80 EUR). 
    • Biometric information (fingerprints and photos). 
    • Two passport sized photos.
    • Proof of accommodation.
    • Proof of finances. 
    • Proof of having obtained travel medical insurance. 
  • Please note that in addition to the above, you will have to submit supplemental forms depending on the type of Schengen visa from Russia that you are applying for (for example, there are specific documents/forms required of those applying for Medical visas vs. Tourist visas). A complete list of documents required for the Schengen visa from Russia is available here.
  • Finally, be aware that some Schengen visa countries will only accept documents written in their official language, English, or another widely spoken European language. If you are applying to a country that does not accept documents written in Russian, you will have to provide translations of those materials into an accepted language.  
• 7. Access your Schengen visa application form
  • Most Russians will be able to apply for their Schengen visa by submitting the basic application form, which is accepted by most Schengen countries (simply print it out, fill it out, sign it, and submit it).
  • However, if you are applying for a Schengen visa from a country like Germany, you will likely be required to apply through their specific Schengen visa portal (visible here). 
• 8. Schedule your Schengen visa appointment
  • If you are applying for your Schengen visa through an online portal like the above German one, you will likely be able to schedule your Schengen visa appointment (a requirement for all Schengen visa applicants from Russia) online. 
  • If you are applying through the basic form, you may have to contact your embassy/consulate directly in order to schedule your appointment. 
• 9. Attend your Schengen visa appointment 
  • As mentioned above, Russian Schengen visa applicants must fulfill their remaining in-person application requirements by attending a Schengen visa appointment. 
  • Your visa appointment is where you pay for your visa, attend a short interview, formally submit your application, and have your biometric information collected.
  • As previously mentioned, Schengen visa fees for Russians are typically 80 EUR, however, depending on what type of applicant you are, you may be able to avoid paying anything, or at the very least be subject to reduced costs. To see how much you will have to pay for your Schengen visa from Russia, click here.
  • Biometric information includes the applicant’s fingerprints and photos—information that will be kept in the Schengen system for five years, meaning you will not need to re-submit your biometrics if you apply for another Schengen visa within that time period.
  • Please keep in mind that even if you applied for your visa online (i.e. through an application portal), you will still likely have to print out a paper copy of your application and submit it in person at your visa appointment. 
  • If you already pay for your visa online and travel frequently from Russia to the Schengen area (and your biometrics remain valid), you may be able to avoid handing in your application in person. However, the majority of Schengen visa countries require that all applicants—even those who have previously received Schengen visas—make appointments and attend them in person. 
  • Please note that you will have to submit your passport when you submit your complete application. 
• 10. Await your decision 
  • Most applicants receive their Schengen visa for citizens of Russia in two weeks, although it can take anywhere from 30-60 days, depending on the details of your application. 
  • You can appeal a rejected Schengen visa from Russia by following the steps outlined in this link.