In 2025, Russian citizens received over 620,000 Schengen visas, which is 10% more than in 2024. Meanwhile, 77 percent of the issued visas are tourist visas.
Photo: vecteezy.com
According to EU documents obtained by Euractiv, the total number of visa applications from Russians increased by 8% and exceeded 670,000. The most interesting aspect is the structure of these issuances:
77% of all visas (about 477,000) are tourist visas.
The remaining shares are for family visits and business trips.
Three countries — France, Italy, and Spain — became the main "gateways" to Europe, handling 75% of all applications from Russians. France, in particular, increased its visa issuance to Russians by more than 23%.
This increase in numbers has caused tension at closed meetings of European diplomats. The Baltic and Northern European countries insist on the complete isolation of the Kremlin and its citizens as long as the war in Ukraine continues.
Despite the growing numbers, experts urge caution in concluding a real increase in the number of tourists.
The reason could also be technical. In November 2024, the European Commission effectively banned the issuance of multiple-entry visas to Russians due to risks of sabotage and espionage.
Whereas previously a traveler could use one visa for five years, now they are forced to apply for documents for each new trip.
Thus, the increase in statistics may indicate not a growth in trips to Europe, but rather that Russians are more frequently applying to consulates for short-term permits.
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Comments
F gjnjv vj;yj? а потом можно и в Польшу, которая россиян не впускает, и на этом фоне обладающим Карту Поляка трудно записаться в визовые центры в РБ, а эти ( россияне) "шастают" где хотят.... Веселуха, и как их заставить прекратить войну. Если "балаган" в ЕС.