EU might increase the number of visa centers in Russia

The number of consulates and visa centers of the participating countries of the Schengen agreement in Russia may be increased, if necessary, according to the head of the EU Delegation in Moscow, Vygaudas Usackas.

"The countries, participants of the Schengen agreement, have an extensive network of consulates and visa centers throughout Russia. This enables them to almost completely cover the demand for Schengen visas. If it will be needed, we might increase the number of visa centers in Russia," he said in an interview to Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

"If we talk about joint visa application center, such a form of cooperation between the Member States is provided for by law and is already being implemented," he added.

Head of the EU Delegation in Russia has explained that "the consulates and visa centers of the EU are now working in 37 cities of Russia."

Minister V.Ušackas pointed out that "the Russians, who have already submitted their fingerprints at the consulate of the countries - members of the EU are exempt from this procedure again at next applying for a Schengen visa at the consulate of another country."

Also, according to him, the Schengen visas issued before September 14, 2015 "will be valid until the end of their actions." "After that, citizens also have to go through the process of putting biometric data," said Minister V.Ušackas.