Urals Diplomats Expect Increase in Demand for Schengen Visas

07.05.2009 — News

THE SVERDLOVSK OBLAST.

Consulates of European countries in Ekaterinburg have seen a decrease in the number of issued visas. The economic crisis has reduced the flow of tourists from the Urals which used to grow each year. In January - April 2009 the Consulate general of the Czech Republic in Ekaterinburg issued nearly 5 thousand visas, a 40% drop compared the figure for the same period last year. The total number of Schengen visas issued by the consulate in 2008 amounted to about 30 thousand.

The Consul General, Miroslav Rames, told RusBusinessNews that the situation may change for the better in the nearest future. After the economy begins to stabilise, Russians will take vacations in Europe again.

The amount of work is also expected to increase in the Consulate General of the Republic of Hungary. As from 15 May the diplomatic mission will begin issuing Finnish visas. The same authority has been given to the Hungarians before by Latvia. Austrian authorities might start using their services too.

In January-April the Consulate General of the Republic of Hungary issued 275 Hungarian and 275 Latvian visas. When the summer comes this number may grow considerably.