On December 24th, Russian authorities implemented a significant change in visa fees for citizens of specific European Union countries, taking inspiration from the policy that the EU had applied to Russian citizens the previous year. The decision affects citizens of Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the entire European Union.
The announcement was made by the Russian Foreign Ministry and took immediate effect on the specified date. This development marks a departure from Moscow's previous commitment to simplify visa issuance for these groups through international agreements, a commitment that was suspended last year following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Moscow clarified that it is emulating its partner's approach by transitioning from the visa fees outlined in international agreements to tariffs outlined in its own national laws. Under the new decision, European citizens are now required to pay the full visa fee, in addition to an extra charge based on the urgency of their application and the number of entries required.
Previously exempted groups, such as close relatives of Russian residents, students, participants in various activities, truck drivers, and businesspeople, are now subject to visa fees. The previous $35 visa fee has been suspended, and the new visa costs will range from $50 to $300, depending on the urgency of the request.
In August of the preceding year, the foreign ministers of EU member states had agreed to temporarily suspend an agreement that had facilitated visa acquisition for Russians. This decision meant that Russian citizens might have to wait longer and pay higher fees for their visas. However, EU member states did not reach a unanimous decision on implementing a complete travel ban on Russians.
A senior European Union diplomat expressed confidence in the suspension of the facilitation agreement, saying, "Suspension of the facilitation agreement is almost certain."
At that time, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock advocated against taking additional punitive measures, emphasizing the importance of not penalizing dissidents seeking to leave Russia.
In September 2022, the European Commission proposed a complete suspension of the EU's Visa Facilitation Agreement with Russia. The Commission cited Russia's ongoing aggression and disregard for international rules-based order as reasons for the suspension. They argued that a country engaged in such aggression should not benefit from visa facilitation while posing threats to the security of the European Union and its member states due to its invasion of Ukraine.
Here are some pros and cons of the decision by Russian authorities to implement full visa fees for citizens of specific European Union countries:
Pros:
The announcement was made by the Russian Foreign Ministry and took immediate effect on the specified date. This development marks a departure from Moscow's previous commitment to simplify visa issuance for these groups through international agreements, a commitment that was suspended last year following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Moscow clarified that it is emulating its partner's approach by transitioning from the visa fees outlined in international agreements to tariffs outlined in its own national laws. Under the new decision, European citizens are now required to pay the full visa fee, in addition to an extra charge based on the urgency of their application and the number of entries required.
Previously exempted groups, such as close relatives of Russian residents, students, participants in various activities, truck drivers, and businesspeople, are now subject to visa fees. The previous $35 visa fee has been suspended, and the new visa costs will range from $50 to $300, depending on the urgency of the request.
In August of the preceding year, the foreign ministers of EU member states had agreed to temporarily suspend an agreement that had facilitated visa acquisition for Russians. This decision meant that Russian citizens might have to wait longer and pay higher fees for their visas. However, EU member states did not reach a unanimous decision on implementing a complete travel ban on Russians.
A senior European Union diplomat expressed confidence in the suspension of the facilitation agreement, saying, "Suspension of the facilitation agreement is almost certain."
At that time, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock advocated against taking additional punitive measures, emphasizing the importance of not penalizing dissidents seeking to leave Russia.
In September 2022, the European Commission proposed a complete suspension of the EU's Visa Facilitation Agreement with Russia. The Commission cited Russia's ongoing aggression and disregard for international rules-based order as reasons for the suspension. They argued that a country engaged in such aggression should not benefit from visa facilitation while posing threats to the security of the European Union and its member states due to its invasion of Ukraine.
Here are some pros and cons of the decision by Russian authorities to implement full visa fees for citizens of specific European Union countries:
Pros:
- Reciprocity: The decision aligns with the principle of reciprocity. Russia has responded to a similar policy applied by the European Union towards Russian citizens, which can be seen as a balanced approach to international relations.
- National Sovereignty: By transitioning from visa fees outlined in international agreements to tariffs in its own national law, Russia asserts its sovereignty in setting visa policies that it deems appropriate for its national interests.
- Revenue Generation: The increase in visa fees can potentially generate additional revenue for the Russian government, which can be allocated to various national programs and services.
- Reduced Dependency: Russia's move reduces its dependency on international agreements for setting visa fees, giving it greater control over its immigration policies.
- Higher Costs for Travelers: European citizens traveling to Russia will now face higher visa fees, which could deter tourism and business travel, potentially impacting economic and cultural exchanges.
- Strain on Relations: The decision may strain relations between Russia and the affected European countries, potentially leading to diplomatic tensions or countermeasures.
- Negative Image: The move could further contribute to Russia's negative image in international politics, reinforcing perceptions of it as a challenging and unpredictable partner.
- Economic Impact: Reduced travel from EU countries to Russia may impact sectors that rely on tourism and business travel, potentially leading to economic consequences in both regions.
- Complexity: The shift from international agreements to national law may introduce complexity into the visa application process, potentially leading to confusion and delays for travelers.
It’s sad because Russia is such a beautiful country to visit, but at this price, I’m not sure it’s worth it for many people... 
