The Council of the European Union (EU) on Friday adopted a decision on the full suspension of a visa facilitation agreement with Russia, Trend reports citing Xinhua.
The decision "will result in an increase in the visa application fee from 35 euros to 80 euros, the need to present additional documentary evidence, increased visa processing time, and more restrictive rules for the issuance of multiple-entry visas," the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU said.
The decision entered into force on Friday and will apply as of Sept. 12, the statement said.
The full suspension "affects all categories of travelers coming to the EU for a short stay," the statement said, adding that the European Commission will present additional guidelines to ensure that the suspension "does not negatively impact certain people traveling to the EU for essential purposes."
Russia said on Sunday that it would take serious retaliatory measures if the EU formally introduces visa restrictions on Russian citizens.
The Czech Republic is currently holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU for the second half of this year.