The visa market is currently in turmoil. The reasons range from the growing tourist flow to revisions to border security procedures. In this article, we’ll look at the latest immigration policy updates in countries popular with Russians.
Japan closes application windows
The Japanese Embassy in Moscow has suspended accepting applications on Wednesdays in October and November. The following dates are affected by the restrictions:
They can’t cope with the influx. In the first nine months of 2024, 63,900 Russians entered Japan—a 136.1% increase from the previous year. Momiji (autumn maple viewing) season is breaking all records for demand.
Live queues in Moscow and St. Petersburg have stretched for hours. Many are being turned away due to errors in their forms or missing documents. The embassy recommends submitting documents at least 21 days before departure. The situation is expected to normalize by December, when the migration flow will shift to the spring cherry blossom peak.
Greece Visa Application Center Changes Location
Until October 10, 2025, applications will be accepted at 3 Kashirskoe Shosse, Bldg. 2, Bldg. 4. Effective October 13, the center will relocate to 10 Letnikovskaya Street, Bldg. 5. The new location is an office building. Applications will continue to be accepted by GVC World in partnership with VFS Global. For inquiries, please contact: +7 (499) 271-34-09.
Sri Lanka Eliminates Visa-on-Arrival
Starting October 15, 2025, entry will be restricted to pre-issued electronic visa authorization (ETA). Visas will no longer be issued at the border. Russians are eligible for visa-on-arrival processing free of charge—the country is one of 40 countries with a zero visa fee. Citizens of other countries pay $50; children under 12 are exempt.
Applications must be submitted on the official portal eta.gov.lk at least 48 hours before departure. Confirmation is sent by email—it is recommended to print it and show it to the border guard. Your passport must be valid for at least 180 days from the date of arrival. The visa allows two entries for up to 30 days.
Latvia Introduces Mandatory Pre-Entry Questionnaire
Starting September 1, 2025, an electronic ETA questionnaire will be mandatory for entry into Latvia. It must be completed on the eta.gov.lv portal no later than 48 hours before crossing the border. What must be included in the questionnaire:
- Purpose and duration of travel;
- Route and address of stay;
- Contact information;
- Information about the applicant’s or relatives’ elected positions;
- Information about service in government agencies: the Ministry of Internal Affairs, special services, police, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The following are exempt from the questionnaire:
Citizens of the EU, NATO, OECD, and EEA countries;
Citizens of Switzerland and Brazil;
Holders of Latvian visas and residence permits.
Cyprus Changes Visa Rules
Starting October 6, 2025, all visa applications will now require strict biometrics—a standard familiar from the Schengen area. Photographs and fingerprints are taken. Children under 12 are exempt from the procedure—biometrics do not apply to them. Everything is proceeding according to plan as part of Cyprus’s preparations for joining the Schengen area and the launch of the Common European Entry-Exit System (CEES).
As of September 30, Cypriot consulates in Russia have stopped accepting applications, and visa center accreditation has been completely frozen. Officials say the measures are temporary. Reception will resume on October 6, but only under the new rules. As of October 12, biometrics are mandatory for all applicants over 12 years of age. The country is aligning visa procedures with EU requirements and preparing to join the Schengen area.
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Rules are changing rapidly. Embassies are adjusting procedures, introducing new requirements, and changing their reception locations. Migration legislation is becoming more complex – an error in one field on the application form can result in a refusal and wasted time. Our team of immigration lawyers will help you correctly collect documents, verify compliance with requirements, and avoid common mistakes when applying for visas and permits. Request a consultation – we will analyze your specific situation and suggest the best course of action.
I have been working in the visa field since 2011. I started with student visas (UK, Canada, USA), and then moved on to more complex cases. He personally accompanied the entire process of obtaining and extending his wife’s rare UK visa at that time.
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