Who can apply?
Holders of visas which are valid for at least one year and which belong to one of the following categories:
From what date will visas be issued?
From the date indicated on the visa application. However, holders of these visas will not be able to travel to Spain while the temporary travel restrictions are in force for reasons of public order and public health due to the health crisis caused by COVID-19 and, when there are no longer travel restrictions, they must comply with the health regulations issued by Spain for entry into Spain.
What will be the validity of the new visas?
It will depend on the duration of the previous visas and whether they have been used correctly. In case there are previous visas poorly fulfilled, this Consulate General could deny the application or reduce the validity of the new visa.
How to submit the visa application?.
Through the official center for the outsourcing of visas recognized by the Government of Spain, managed by BLS International, by appointment that can be obtained through the website of the visa center.
How should applications be submitted?
The Consulate may require a new fingerprinting if it is deemed necessary and if the quality of the fingerprints is not sufficient.
Term for consideration of applications:
As a rule, the applications will be considered within 10 working days, however, the period may be extended up to 30 days if an additional verification of the submitted documentation is required in accordance with Art. 7 of the Agreement between the European Community and the Russian Federation on the facilitation of the issuance of visas to the citizens of the European Union and the Russian Federation.
Documentation required for the submission of applications:
For frequent travelers to Spain: if in the passport they do not have the entry-exit stamps of Spain of their last trips to Spain, supporting documentation of frequent trips to Spain (photocopy of electronic tickets and hotel invoices of the last trips to Spain, etc.)
THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF SPAIN IN ST. PETERSBURG RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REQUEST THE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION DEEMED APPROPRIATE FOR THE RESOLUTION OF THE FILE.
Important Notice on COVID-19 Related Travel Restrictions
As part of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, Schengen States have introduced travel restrictions, including at certain borders between those States.
Depending on the evolution of the epidemiological situation, both inside and outside the EU, travel restrictions may be eased or reintroduced.
All travelers are responsible for checking the travel restrictions in place prior to departure. Schengen visa holders do not automatically have the right to enter the Schengen area, but must respect the travel restrictions in force.
Details: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/
APPLICANTS FOR TYPE C OR SCHENGEN VISAS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TRAVEL TO SPAIN OR OTHER SCHENGEN COUNTRIES WHILE THERE ARE RESTRICTIONS ON ENTRY TO THE EU AND SCHENGEN COUNTRIES FROM THIRD COUNTRIES, FOR REASONS OF PUBLIC ORDER AND HEALTH, DUE TO THE HEALTH CRISIS CAUSED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
Will visas continue to be issued for essential categories with entry authorization in accordance with Order INT/657/2020, of July 17 (extended by successive orders since its entry into force)? Link to see the consolidated text of the Order: https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2020-8099
Yes, and they will be valid immediately, once the entry into national territory has been authorized by the border authorities or the certificate required by them is possessed.
Some of the categories of people excluded from temporary restrictions on non-essential travel from third countries to the European Union and Schengen associated countries for reasons of public policy and public health due to the health crisis caused by COVID-19:
Health professionals, including health researchers, and elder care professionals who are on their way to or from work.
Transport personnel, seafarers and aeronautical personnel necessary to carry out air transport activities.
Highly qualified workers whose work is necessary and cannot be postponed or carried out remotely, including participants in high-level sports events that take place in Spain. These circumstances must be justified by documentary. (NOTE: including professionals in the audiovisual sector in a broad sense, understanding as such foreign artists, technicians and professionals who are going to exercise activities framed in the audiovisual sector, artistic activities before the public or destined to the recording of any kind for dissemination by mass media. These circumstances must be justified by documentary.)
People who travel for imperative family reasons duly accredited. NOTE: This category of applicants, while the temporary travel restrictions are in force, must contact the Consulate by email before submitting the visa application.
Persons who provide documentary evidence of reasons of force majeure or situation of need, or whose entry is allowed for humanitarian reasons. NOTE: This category of applicants, while the temporary travel restrictions are in force, must contact the Consulate by email before submitting the visa application.
Persons provided with a vaccination certificate that the Ministry of Health recognizes for this purpose, after verification by the health authorities, as well as accompanying minors to whom the Ministry of Health extends the effects (vaccines authorized by the EMA -European Medicines Agency- or the WHO -World Health Organization-).
When will visa processing be restarted for categories of applicants not included in this information note?
When the current situation changes and the restrictions are lifted.