To obtain a Schengen visa at the German consulate, Russian citizens will now have to present proof of financial solvency issued by a bank located within the European Union. In addition, the German authorities have begun requiring proof of payment for booked accommodation in order to apply for a visa.
The new changes are confirmed by a statement released by Germany VisaMetric — the only visa center accredited by the German Representation in Russia: “Only up-to-date extracts issued in the name of the applicant from a bank operating in the EU member states can be considered. The document must contain information about the current amount of funds in the account or accounts. The applicant must provide relevant bank statements for the last three months.
It has been clarified that an EU account is required for anyone planning to apply for a tourist or business visa, as well as a visa for private visits and medical treatment . In addition, an account is required for participants in cultural, scientific and sporting events.
Earlier, the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) reported that Germany began to require confirmation of payment for booked accommodation for visa applications. It was then clarified that booking through online services with payment “on the spot”, that is, at the hotel, was no longer suitable.
Despite the new changes, the German authorities had previously announced that they would provide more types Russians who are persecuted for specific reasons, such as political ones.
According to the German Federal Statistical Office Destatis, Russians are the ninth largest group, accounting for 2.2% of Germany's foreign population.
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While European authorities have tightened their travel restrictions by imposing tough sanctions on Russians, German authorities announced last month that they plan to ease visa requirements for all skilled Russian workers who plan to work in the country.