The Foreign Ministry told about the new rules of entry to Spain

Russian citizens traveling to Spain and other countries of the Schengen area will be required to take fingerprints and photographs when crossing the border. This was reported on October 12 in the Telegram channel of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"Starting today, the new biometric system for crossing the EU's external borders (Entry/Exit System) comes into force," the message says.

It clarifies that it provides for the mandatory collection of individual data, including photographs and fingerprints, from citizens of third countries, including Russia, when entering and exiting through the external borders of the Schengen area.

The Foreign Ministry explained that in Spain, the system will start operating at Madrid airport (Barajas), after which it will be implemented in stages at other border control points — air, sea and land. By April 10, 2026, the system should be fully operational in all locations. Traditional stamps in passports will be replaced by electronic records in the database.

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In which countries will it become more difficult for Russian citizens to obtain entry permits

On September 15, the BLS Spain Visa Application Center announced that the Consulate General of Spain in Moscow had resumed accepting documents for visas. It is specified that at present, documents can only be submitted in person or by the next of kin with the original proof of kinship.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.