The Greek Consulate in Russia has begun issuing fewer three-year multiple-entry Schengen visas to tourists. This has been highlighted by industry media outlets.
Experts say that in 2017, Russians most often receive Greek Schengen visas. Last season, most visas issued by the Greek consulate were valid for three years. However, there is no uniform algorithm or pattern for issuing "long" and "short" Schengen visas. The number of previously issued permits or the number of visits to Greece does not affect the results.
It's worth noting that Ioannis Pediotis, who initiated the process of issuing "long-term" Schengen visas to Russians, left the Consulate General in Russia last fall. This position is currently occupied by Eleni Vakali. In March 2017, he assured tourism industry representatives that "the consulate will continue to work to further simplify the process of issuing Schengen visas to Russians. The practice of issuing multiple-entry long-term visas—for three to five years—will continue."
Experts believe that pressure on the Greeks from representatives of other EU countries may have prevented them from keeping their promise. Over the past year, the number of tourists using Greek visas to visit other Schengen countries without actually visiting Greece has increased.
It's worth noting that by the end of 2017, approximately 1.1 million Russians are expected to visit Greece. In July, 121,333 more Russian tourists vacationed in the country than in 2016.
Source: news.turizm.ru