Adopted new rules for obtaining Schengen visas.

European Council on Thursday, June 25, approved the same for all countries of the Schengen Agreement, the issuance of short-term visas. Details of new visa rules announced Internet portal The Sofia Echo.
It was expected that the new rules, the so-called "Visa Code", in the majority of Schengen countries will enter into force by mid-2010. However, some countries within the Schengen zone, such as Denmark, have yet to check that "Visa Code" legislation. Full transition to the new visa rules will be implemented in phases, starting with North Africa.
"The new rules will make the process of applying for a visa maximum transparency and lack of contradiction", - says the statement made by the European Council in connection with the "Visa Code".
Rules for obtaining a visa approved by the Council, inter alia, that citizens will have to personally apply to the consular service. In addition, in the primary treatment for a visa applicant must pass a fingerprint is being made in a single database of the Schengen space. The "Visa Code" is also a list of documents that are required to provide for the right to enter the country.
The rules also establish deadlines for the consideration requests for visa - 15 days, and stated that consular post should explain the reasons for the refusal and the right of appeal.
Short-term Schengen visa, under the new rules would cost: 60 euro for persons of 12 years and older, from 35 euros for children aged six to 11 years. Free visas will be available: children under 6 years old, a group of students going to study, scientists, representatives of nonprofit organizations, members of scientific conferences and sporting events.
Russians get new rules for Schengen visas have not yet been raised, "Interfax" the press secretary of Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST) Irina Tyurina, with reference to the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Between Russia and the countries of the Schengen Agreement, she recalled, had earlier signed a separate agreement on simplification of visa regime for Russian citizens. The agreement, inter alia, stipulate that the fee for the Schengen visa for Russians - 35 Euro.
Fingerprints Russians wishing to enter the Schengen Agreement, Tyurina said, while also not have to donate. This procedure can take place only when the embassies will install special equipment, such as the visa office of diplomatic mission of Great Britain.
As of June 2009, acceded to the Schengen Agreement: Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Switzerland and Malta. The goal is that by 2010, the Schengen area will include Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania.