By Monday, Russian citizens had lost the ability to obtain visas under an agreement that would allow them relatively easy access to the European Schengen area.
The European Council adopted a proposal to suspend the visa facilitation agreement with Russia last week.
The move will significantly reduce the number of new visas that will be issued to Russians in order to enter the Schengen area, which includes 22 European Union countries and four European countries.
The application fee for a Schengen visa will also increase from 35 euros ($35) to 80 euros, and more paperwork will be required. Processing times will also be longer, and there will be restrictions on multiple-entry visas.
The tightening of the rules could lead to visa applications being denied and even cancellation of existing visas.
The EU guidelines provide countries with broad discretionary powers as well as a basis for a more detailed examination of applications.
At the same time, the EU remains open to applicants traveling for emergency reasons, in particular family members of EU citizens, journalists, dissidents and representatives of civil society. Countries can reduce or waive visa fees completely for those belonging to these groups.
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