Consulate of Italy announced five-year Schengen visas for Russians

In 2020, after the new rules came into force, Russian tourists traveling to Italy will be able to count on receiving five-year Schengen visas. “The new rules will not significantly change anything. They are aimed at improving the organization of the internal process. Periods of visa duration will be adjusted - for one year, two years and five years. There will be no more visas for three years or four. I think that Muscovites who often travel in Europe will be able to count on a five-year visa right away,” told Consul General Francesco Forte.

This summer the EU Council amended the visa code, which registered new conditions for obtaining multiple Schengen visas. According to the document, tourists will be able to get a multiple-entry visa for a period of 1 year, if during the previous two years the traveler received and used three visas. In turn, a two year visa will be able to get those who over the past 2 years received and used an annual Schengen. If within three years a two-year visa was obtained and used, then, according to the new rules, a five-year visa will be issued for the tourist.