Belgium will no longer issue short-term visas to Russians following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, reported La Libre.
"Due to circumstances beyond its control the Belgian embassy in Moscow will no longer issue short-term visas to Russian nationals as of 1 July," announced the embassy's service provider, VFS Global, on its website.
Only applications for students, business and family reunion visas can be processed for people arriving in Belgium before 31 August will now be processed.
Diplomatic row
Belgium's consular section has suffered in its ability to carry out daily functions after Russia expelled 12 Belgian diplomats in April. Previously, Belgium expelled 21 Russian diplomats from the Russian embassy in Brussels as well as the Consulate in Antwerp. The move came as a result of alleged espionage and other operations that threatened Belgium's security.
Belgium's diminished staff has affected the consular section's ability to process visas. But "this temporary measure will be lifted as soon as the Belgian embassy has regained the capacity to process all visa applications," announced VFS.
"The date of the end of this temporary measure will be announced ... as soon as it is known."
