Some residents of Russia are still convinced that it is incredibly difficult to obtain a Schengen visa and that the consulates of European countries often refuse tourists from Russia. In fact, a Schengen visa for Russians has long become almost a formality, but on condition that the applicant complies with the application rules.
Carry documents to the country you are going to travel to
There are two rules as to which Schengen country to apply to. The first rule says that this must be the country of entry. The second rule recommends that you take the documents to where you intend to stay most of the time. Both of these rules are correct.
The most important thing is to book hotels in the country where you apply to the consulate, and then actually stay there. Some tourists make fictitious bookings, then cancel them just because they think that it is easier to get a visa to some country. In fact, this particular path is not the easiest one. Tell the truth - and a Schengen visa will be easy for you.
Prepare documents correctly
It is not at all necessary to use the services of travel agencies. Even a Schengen visa application form, which cannot be filled out in Russian, is so simple that even a person who does not know English can understand it.
The list of documents should not cause any difficulties at all: no travel agent can prepare a certificate from work or an account statement for you. Choosing a hotel and booking a plane ticket yourself is also not at all difficult. You will not only save money, but also get rid of the help of incompetent tour operators, which, unfortunately, are also available in this market.
Be sure to read the list of country-specific requirements very carefully. They are almost the same in all Schengen states, but still slightly different.
Visa will be given even if there is no work
Some people are seriously worried that they will not be given a Schengen visa, since they are currently not employed or are working unofficially. Nothing wrong with that. First, the defining financial document is a certificate from a bank account, not from work. Secondly, you can always explain your situation in a free form by attaching this sheet to the package of documents. Unemployed travelers who have enough money on their account can easily get a visa.
The key to getting a simple visa
The most important thing that worries the consulates of all Schengen countries is not at all your marital status or the size of your salary. It is important for them to know what you are going to do on the territory of their country, and it is also important for them that you leave it on time. Therefore, attach as complete a description of the route as possible, book hotels for the entire stay, buy air tickets. If you are going to travel between cities, then you can make a route plan with the numbers of trains or buses. Redeeming tickets in advance may not be superfluous.
Imagine yourself as a consular officer. Consider your documents and application form from his perspective. In case there are any difficult or "weak" points, it is better to further explain everything. Russian citizens are rarely denied Schengen visas, and, as a rule, the applicants themselves are to blame, since they did not bother to prepare the necessary papers or treated them carelessly.
