Magyar not Orban: Hungary stopped issuing visas in three Russian visa centers

The Hungarian authorities have suspended the acceptance of documents for Schengen visas in a number of Russian cities, according to the website of the VFS Global visa application center.

According to the order of the Consulate General of Hungary, from June 29, the acceptance of applications in the visa centers of Kazan, Samara and Ufa stops. The reasons for the restrictions are not disclosed.

"The resumption of admission will be announced additionally," the message says.

The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) noted earlier that Hungary was one of the most convenient countries for obtaining a Schengen visa. Documents were considered there for up to 15 working days, and an entry for their submission was often available even for the next dates. It was easier to enroll than in the consulates of Italy or Spain. Hungary issued about 24 thousand Schengen visas to Russian citizens in 2025. This is less than the leaders in extradition — France, Italy and Spain, each of which issued more than 100 thousand Schengen visas to Russians.

Suspension of acceptance of documents for visas to Hungary coincided in time with political changes in the country. Viktor Orban was replaced as prime Minister by Peter Magyar. Orban has been a key ally of Moscow in the EU for many years, repeatedly blocking sanctions against Russia, seeking the exclusion of some Russians from the sanctions lists, and continuing to purchase oil and gas from the Russian Federation to the last. Magyar noted that he intends to conduct a pragmatic dialogue with Moscow, since Hungary depends on energy resources from Russia.

As reported by EADaily, Spain, following Italy, increased the time for Russians to consider applications for visas, explaining this with too many applicants.