Slovakia suspends issuance of tourist Schengen visas to Russians: what you need to know

Suspension of applications

From July 7 through August 31 2026 Slovakia has temporarily shut the intake of most short‑stay Schengen visa applications. In Russia the process was handled by a visa centre operating through BLS International. During the suspension only applications for the purpose “sport” are accepted; tourism, business and visitor visas remain on hold.

Who falls into the restricted zone

• Tourists – completely excluded from the list of eligible purposes.
• Business travellers – their applications are also not being taken.
• Guests and relatives – likewise, requests are temporarily unavailable.
• Students, family members, specialists – can still apply for national visas, because those categories are not covered by the Schengen pause.

What happens to already booked applicants

If you managed to book an appointment and pay the fee for a tourist, business or guest visa, that appointment will be cancelled. The service fee is automatically refunded to the card used for payment, usually within one to two weeks. If the refund is delayed, you should contact BLS International support directly.

When to expect the intake to resume

The visa centre only said that after the suspension ends it plans to reopen applications for all other purposes. No exact date has been announced, and there is no official promise that work will restart on September 1. Anyone counting on an autumn visit should watch the separate announcements from BLS rather than rely on suddenly appearing slots in the booking system.

How the pause affected demand

Analytics show that Slovakia has never been a top destination for Russian Schengen visas. In 2025 a little over a thousand visas were issued, less than half of them multiple‑entry. By contrast, Italy or France handed out hundreds of thousands of visas to Russians in the same period. Still, some travellers used a Slovak visa as a “quiet” way into the Schengen area, especially when waiting times elsewhere were longer.

Can you enter Slovakia without a Slovak visa?

If you already hold a valid Schengen visa issued by any other member state, you can enter Slovakia without restrictions. The key is that the visa must be valid for the whole period you plan to stay. There are currently no direct flights from Russia to Slovakia, so you will need to transfer in a major hub such as Belgrade, Yerevan, Istanbul or another city with connections.

Practical tips for Russian travellers

1. Check the status of your application. If you already booked, look in your personal account to see whether the refund has been processed.
2. Look for alternative Schengen visas. If your only goal is to visit Slovakia, consider applying for a visa in a neighboring country where the process is less constrained.
3. Plan your route early. Expect a layover, and verify any transit‑visa requirements for the hubs you will use.
4. Follow official announcements. Subscribe to BLS International newsletters or the Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs channels so you don’t miss the reopening date.
5. Don’t let refunds slip. If the money hasn’t arrived within the promised window, contact support with your application number and payment date.

What to do if you’re planning a sport‑related trip

Applications marked with the purpose “sport” are still being processed. This covers participation in competitions, training camps or other sporting events backed by official documents. If your plans fit this category, submit the visa as usual but be ready with all required proof – invitations, licences, event schedules, etc.

Bottom line

Slovakia has temporarily closed the door on most short‑stay Schengen visas for Russian citizens, keeping only sport‑related requests open. Already booked applications are cancelled and the fees are returned automatically. For those still wanting to get into the country, the easiest route is to use a valid visa from any other Schengen state and arrange a connecting flight. Keep an eye on official updates so you don’t miss the moment the intake restarts, and plan your trip with the current restrictions in mind.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.