Estonia will not let Russians with Schengen visas received in the republic

"In a week, a sanction will be applied to Schengen visas issued by the Republic of Estonia to citizens of the Russian Federation. The sanction means that the visas will remain valid. However, visa holders will be sanctioned when entering Estonia, meaning they will be banned from entering Estonia", - said Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu.

However, this rule provides for exceptions. Thus, the restrictions will not affect those who are employees of Estonian diplomatic missions (like members of their families), those who are engaged in international freight and passenger transportation. In addition, persons who have the right of free movement under EU law will still be able to enter Estonia. They will not impose sanctions on those whose entry is necessary for humanitarian reasons, and their close relatives. The border will be open for holders of Estonian citizenship or residence permit.

The entry ban decision applies only to visas issued by Estonia and does not affect visas issued by other Schengen countries.

On the eve of the official representative of the European Commission, Anita Hipper, said that the visa code of the European Union does not allow to stop issuing short-term visas for Russian citizens.