On Friday 9 September the European Commission presented its guidelines to assist Member States’ consulates in processing short-stay visa applications from Russian citizens following the suspension of the visa facilitation agreement for Russian citizens approved by the EU Council on the same day (see other news).
In particular, it recommends that they carry out a strict security risk assessment, which may justify a refusal to issue visas and the cancellation of a visa already issued.
Consulates will also be able to give less priority to non-essential travellers, such as tourists, when allocating appointments, and to extend the time taken to decide on visa applications to 45 days, compared to the usual 15 days.
Member States should also take a strict approach when reviewing valid short-stay visas already issued to Russian citizens.
If it turns out that the conditions for issuing a visa are no longer fulfilled, for example because the visa holder is now considered a security threat, Member States should revoke the visa.
Information on a revoked visa must be entered into the Visa Information System (VIS). A visa issued in one Member State may also be revoked by the competent authorities of another Member State. Those whose visas have been revoked have the right to appeal against this decision, the Commission document states.
“The mere possession of a visa does not confer an automatic right to enter the Schengen area, nor does the presentation of a valid visa already issued to a citizen of the Russian Federation affect the obligation of Member States to carry out full border checks to verify compliance with the conditions for entry into the Schengen area”, the text adds.
Link to the guidelines: https://aeur.eu/f/30r (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)