Starting November 2010 citizens of Germany will be required to produce additional documents when they apply for the Russian visa. The travellers will have to confirm their level of income and ability to return to Germany from Russia. In some cases bank statements may be requested.
The change, which applies to business travellers and tourists means German entrepreneurs will have to present an official application, an earnings certificate and a confirmation of the business purpose of their visit to Russia.
The changes in the visa application process are a tit-for-tat protest effort on the part of Russia visa authorities, who are disappointed by the lack of enthusiasm shown by the European Union regarding the visa abolition agreement between Russia and the EU which has been prepared by Russian authorities. Russia’s Permanent Representative to the EU, Vladimir Chizhov stated that Russian authorities insist on the necessity of visa abolition between the EU and Russia. Now, Russia expects to receive an answer to their agreement draft on the December, 7th in Brussels.
The new measures mean that German citizens will be required to produce the same documents that Russian citizens are asked for when they apply for a Shengen (EU) visa.
The official website of the Russian Consulate in Germany explains that the mentioned changes relate to the “principle of reciprocity.” The German Tourism Association expressed concerns that new bureaucratic obstacles will result in a reduction in the number of German tourists to visit Russia, Last year more than 500,000 Germans visited Russia.
