The Spanish Consulate in Moscow has suspended visa issuance for Russians starting September 14, citing technical reasons, according to visa center operator BLS International. Applications will not be accepted until further notice, though those already scheduled for September 15 are expected to be processed.

Industry experts note that a similar disruption occurred in August 2025, lasting several days. No other Schengen consulates in Russia have issued comparable notices.

The news comes shortly after reports on September 9 that the European Union is preparing stricter visa restrictions for Russian citizens as part of its next sanctions package.