This was reported by RIA Novosti with reference to a representative of the press service of the European Commission.

“The new EU rules regarding short-term Schengen visas will come into force on February 2,” the press service said.

It is noted that in the case of countries with which the EU has agreements on visa facilitation, these agreements remain unchanged.

The EC specified that travelers will be able to apply for a visa a maximum of six months before the trip, and not three, as it was before.

“In addition, it will be easier to obtain a visa with the possibility of multiple entry with a long validity period - from a year to 5 years, which will save people and travelers often traveling time, since they will have to apply for a new visa less often,” the EC said.

The press service also clarified that the visa fee will be increased from € 60 to € 80.

“An increase in the total visa fee will not affect the lower visa fee of € 35 set in the visa facilitation agreements concluded between the EU and a number of third countries such as Russia,” the European Commission said.

In January, the EU simplified visa requirements for citizens of Belarus.