The Netherlands stopped issuing Schengen visas to Russians

The Consulate of the Netherlands in Russia has stopped accepting Russian documents for Schengen visas. Exceptions are possible on humanitarian grounds, in particular for political refugees. The issuance of national visas of the Netherlands has continued.

At the end of March, the Netherlands expelled 17 Russian diplomats from the country, suspected of activities incompatible with diplomatic status. In response, Russia expelled 15 Dutch diplomats. The staff of the embassy was reduced, there was no one to deal with the issuance of Schengen visas. This is the official explanation from the Dutch Foreign Ministry.