Italy is ensuring that Russian terrorists can now enter the entire EU even more quickly. Italy shortens visa processing times for Russian citizens As announced by the Italian visa center in Moscow, the Italian consulate will now issue tourist visas within 45 days—down from the previous 60 days. Just four months ago, in June, the processing time had been extended to 60 days due to high demand. Notably, Italy issues more visas to Russian citizens than any other EU country: last year, it granted 161,000—accounting for one-quarter of all Schengen visas issued. Once a Russian national enters Italy with a valid Italian Schengen visa, they are free to travel to other Schengen countries, provided they remain within the visa's validity period and adhere to the 90-day rule (90 days within any 180-day period). There are no systematic border controls between Schengen countries.