Italy's Embassy Clarifies It Still Accepts Russian Visa Applications via Intermediaries
The Italian Embassy in Russia has officially confirmed that it continues to accept visa applications from Russian citizens through intermediaries, contradicting recent reports of a ban. This clarification was provided to the Russian business news outlet RBC, stating that no changes have been made to current visa processing procedures. The embassy directed applicants to verify rules on the websites of its consulates general in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The confusion arose after the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) reported that major visa centers, VMS and AlmavivA, had stopped accepting documents from third parties such as agents and lawyers starting May 12. ATOR had linked this alleged restriction to a scandal involving illegal Schengen visa issuance in Tashkent and warned of potential delays in appointment slots. However, the diplomatic mission's statement effectively nullifies these claims regarding official policy. This development is significant given the high volume of Russian visa applications, with over 670,000 submitted in 2025, primarily to France, Italy, and Spain. The incident highlights ongoing tensions and procedural complexities in travel arrangements between Russia and European Union member states amidst broader geopolitical strains.
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