BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

16/01/2007

Schengen Agreement signatories to charge more for visas - diplomat

MINSK. Jan 16 (Interfax) - An increase in prices for entry visas to a number of European Union countries will concern only the signatories to the Schengen Agreement, German Ambassador to Belarus Martin Hecker said at a press conference in Minsk on Tuesday.

"The previous rates do not cover the cost of biometric visas, the introduction of which is necessary for security reasons," Hecker said.

Germany, as current holder of the EU presidency, will recommend members of the Schengen Area issue more free visas.

"The visa fee could be waived for those traveling for humanitarian purposes, for children under 7 years, and for participants in cultural and youth events," he said.

Source:

http://www.interfax.com/3/231329/news.aspx