Over 500,000 Schengen visas were granted to Russians by EU nations
In 2024, a significant increase was observed in the number of Schengen visas issued to Russian citizens by EU countries. According to official data, a total of approximately 552,630 visas were granted, marking a 9% increase from the previous year [1][2][3].
The main destinations for Russian tourists in the EU were Italy, France, and Spain, with Italy issuing around 152,254 visas, France approximately 123,890 visas, and Spain about 111,000 visas [2][3][4]. Greece and Hungary also saw substantial numbers, with Greece granting nearly 59,700 visas and Hungary about 23,400 visas [2][3][4].
Despite ongoing sanctions and the war in Ukraine, these countries continued to facilitate Russian tourist travel, emphasising a distinction between opposition to Russia's government policies and maintaining people-to-people contacts [2].
However, the process of obtaining a Schengen visa for Russians has become more complex. The EU suspended the Visa Facilitation Agreement with Russia and instructed member states to prioritise security and border control over Russian visa applications [2]. As a result, Russian tourists must enter Europe through third countries such as Istanbul or the United Arab Emirates airports, as direct flights and airspace access remain closed [3].
Moreover, sanctions have rendered Russian bank cards unusable in Europe, so travelers must ensure they have enough cash exchanged to euros prior to arrival [3].
In spring 2023, Turkey simplified payment procedures for Russian tourists using QR codes through Russian bank mobile applications, as reported by DK.RU. However, no information is provided about changes in the number of Schengen visas issued to Russians in Turkey [1].
It's worth noting that Spain abolished visa-free transit for Russian citizens in its airports from July 12, 2023 [5]. Russian citizens need a transit visa in France if they are flying from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Turkey, or Egypt [6].
The increase in hotel bookings in Italy and France by 19% in 2024 further indicates the growing interest of Russian tourists in visiting these countries [7].
While the number of Schengen visas to Russians increased by 9% in 2024, the total remains far below pre-pandemic and pre-war levels (over 4 million visas issued in 2019). The main destinations—Italy, France, and Spain—facilitate this travel, but with tightened security controls and indirect travel routes via third countries required by current restrictions [1][2][3][4].
[1] [Source Link 1] [2] [Source Link 2] [3] [Source Link 3] [4] [Source Link 4] [5] [Source Link 5] [6] [Source Link 6] [7] [Source Link 7]
- Despite the ongoing complexity and restrictions, the increase in Schengen visas issued to Russians by EU countries in 2024 signals a growing interest in general-news topics such as travel and lifestyle, as more Russians choose to visit Italy, France, and Spain.
- The lifestyle choices of Russian tourists, including their travel destinations and accommodation bookings, have shown a 19% increase in 2024, particularly for Italy and France, despite the complex process and altered routes required for obtaining Schengen visas due to the war in Ukraine and sanctions.
