Slovakia Resumes Tourist Visa Issuance for Russians Amid EU Policy Shifts

(SLOVAKIA) Slovakia has resumed issuing tourist visas to Russian travelers, ending a suspension that had been in place since the fall of 2022. The Slovak Consulate in Russia and the BLS International Visa Application Center confirmed the restart on August 28, 2025, saying they are now accepting and processing new applications.

The move marks a notable shift inside the European Union, where visa policies toward Russian citizens have varied widely since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The decision takes effect immediately and applies to standard tourism trips under Schengen rules.

What the restart means

• The consul and visa center confirmed Russian citizens can once again request Slovak tourist visas and, if approved, travel for short stays under Schengen conditions.
• As a Schengen Area member, Slovakia’s visa generally allows travel within the wider Schengen zone for the period shown on the visa, provided travelers follow Schengen rules.
• Officials did not publish a detailed public statement beyond the restart confirmation, so some operational details remain to be clarified by the consulate.

Regional context and related developments

Slovakia’s timing occurs amid evolving regional diplomacy and other bilateral visa moves outside the EU:

• On August 20, 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi signed a mutual visa exemption deal for tourists. That bilateral agreement waives visas for stays up to 30 days and a total of 90 days per year.
• While the Jordan deal is unrelated to Schengen policy, it reflects a broader trend of some governments easing short-term travel for Russian citizens.
• Slovakia’s step sits within that context while still operating under EU rules and sanctions.

How Slovakia differs from other EU approaches

• Several EU countries continue to apply tougher limits on Russian tourists. For example, the Czech Republic has kept strong restrictions since late 2024 and requires Russian nationals to hold biometric passports.
• Analysis by VisaVerge.com shows EU national policies can vary even while the union maintains common sanctions.
• Slovakia’s decision appears aimed at restoring some people-to-people contact and supporting its tourism sector, while preserving other EU security and foreign policy measures.

Application process — practical details

Under the resumed processing:

• Russian travelers can apply through the Slovak Consulate or submit documents via BLS International’s centers in Russia.
• The consulate has not published a full updated checklist with the restart notice. Based on typical Schengen practice, applicants should expect to provide the following:
  • Valid passport
  • Completed application form
  • Proof of stay (hotel booking, invitation)
  • Proof of funds
  • Travel insurance
  • Biometric data collection and possible interview
• The standard Schengen short-stay visa fee for adults is about €80.

• Processing can take up to 15 calendar days, though it may vary with volume, extra checks, or consular capacity.

Important: The consulate’s announcement so far points to short-stay tourism only. It did not mention work, study, or family visa categories.

Duration and validity guidance

• For tourism, current guidance indicates a stay of up to 30 days per trip, with a total limit of 90 days per calendar year.
• This mirrors travel-duration patterns seen in recent regional agreements and aligns with the focus on brief leisure travel.
• Final visa validity, number of entries, and any specific conditions are at the consular officer’s discretion.

Recommended step-by-step filing process

1. Fill out the Schengen visa application form and print it for submission. Use the official template:
   • Schengen visa application form (PDF): https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2020-09/visa-application-form_en.pdf
2. Gather a valid passport and supporting records (proof of accommodation, round-trip plans, insurance, proof of funds).
3. Pay the visa fee (about €80 for adults; waivers or reductions may apply in limited Schengen cases).
4. Attend the appointment for biometric data collection and an interview if requested.
5. Wait for a decision — processing aims for up to 15 days, but times may vary.

Tips to reduce delays:

• File well ahead of intended travel dates to allow time for extra document requests.
• Families and tour groups should apply early, especially before peak seasons.
• If you previously provided fingerprints, check whether they can be reused or a fresh capture is required.

Where to find official information

• The Slovak government’s visa guidance remains the authoritative source; check the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs visa page:
  • https://www.mzv.sk/web/en/consular_info/visa
• Use the European Commission’s official Schengen visa application form linked above for the correct template.

Practical impact and outlook

• The restart opens options for Russian tourists to visit Slovak cities and national parks (from Bratislava’s Old Town to the High Tatras).
• Tour operators in Central Europe forecast a modest rebound in bookings if processing remains steady and airline schedules hold.
• The pace of recovery will depend on:
  • Consular capacity
  • Travelers’ ability to gather documents
  • Any changes in wider EU discussions on mobility and sanctions

Local tourism businesses report early queries but not a surge, consistent with past restarts where demand rose gradually as travelers regained confidence.

Policy and cross-border cautions

• Slovakia’s shift shows EU members retain room to set consular practice within Schengen and sanctions frameworks. Bratislava appears to be opening a narrow channel for short-term visits while keeping higher bars for other visa categories.
• A Slovak Schengen visa allows movement in the Schengen zone during its validity, but other EU states may apply stricter checks at their borders.
• Travelers should carry documentation showing trip purpose and plans (hotel bookings, host invitations) when moving between Schengen countries.
• Confirm passport type and validity with the consulate before filing — some states (e.g., Czech Republic) have specific biometric passport rules in place since mid/late 2024.

Special situations and advice

• Applicants with mixed-family travel, medical needs, or tight timelines should contact the Slovak Consulate or the visa center before booking non-refundable services.
• Request written confirmation from the consulate when information is incomplete or not publicly posted — clear communication can prevent denials and rework.

Longer-term implications

• If the Slovak program runs smoothly, analysts expect modest tourism growth, but complex geopolitics could still affect flows.
• The restart is a concrete opening that gives Russian citizens a way to apply for short visits and offers Slovak businesses a chance to rebuild part of the pre-2022 market.
• How other EU capitals respond — and whether they follow Slovakia’s lead — will be watched closely by consular officials, airlines, and travelers.

Key takeaway: Follow official instructions closely, file early, and be ready to present the full set of required documents to reduce risks of delays or denials.