Travelers from Russia venturing to Europe advised to avoid potential holiday mishaps: tips for a smoother journey
Heading out for a Euro trip? Listen up, pal! The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) has some words of wisdom for you. Their website spills the beans on a tricky situation.
Seems like six European nations, including the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Iceland, and Lithuania, ain't too keen on five-year passports from Russia. These countries have already turned down some Russian passports, and ATOR thinks this trend might spread to other EU countries.
So, what's the solution? ATOR's recommendation? Apply for a biometric passport, regardless of your age. And if you're stuck with a five-year passport, they suggest grabbing a biometric second doc to make things smoother.
Before you hop on that plane to Uzbekistan this summer, though, hold your horses. The head honcho of ATOR, Maya Lomidze, advised against it due to the scorching heat. She dropped this bomb during a radio interview on "Moscow Speaks."
Now, about the biometric passport advice, no specifics are available from ATOR. But here's a heads up for all Russian travelers: it's essential to have a biometric passport when applying for visas to EU countries that need them. This will help you dodge visa rejections and make your travel process a breeze.
But remember, each EU destination has its own requirements, so make sure to double-check the specifics for your selected country. Some Schengen countries like Italy, France, and Spain are still issuing visas to Russian nationals, despite the geopolitical drama. However, you'll need that biometric passport if you're heading to countries like the Czech Republic, where the requirements are strict.
Bottom line? Make sure your passport has the biometric stamp when you're applyin' for visas to EU countries that require it. Stay safe, happy travels!
While planning your European travel, prioritize obtaining a biometric passport for a hassle-free visa application process. Keep in mind that some countries, like the Czech Republic, may require biometric passports for Russian travelers due to stricter requirements. Additionally, keep up-to-date with general news and political developments, as these factors can impact your travel lifestyle.
