Italy, France, and Spain Lead Schengen Visa Issuance to Russians in 2024

Key Takeaways

• Italy, France, and Spain issued over 540,000 Schengen visas to Russians in 2024, a 20-25% increase.
• Italy approved 94.3% of 152,254 visa applications, with refusal rates dropping from 10.6% to 7.4%.
• 90% of visas were for tourism; multiple-entry visas declined to 41.3%, limiting travel flexibility.

The purpose of this analysis is to provide a clear, evidence-based overview of Schengen visa issuance to Russian nationals in 2024, with a focus on the roles of Italy, France, and Spain. This content aims to help travelers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders understand the current landscape, recent trends, and practical implications of Schengen visa policies for Russians amid ongoing European Union (EU) sanctions and shifting geopolitical conditions.

Scope:
This analysis covers the latest data on Schengen visas issued to Russian nationals, the impact of EU sanctions, differences in national policies among Schengen countries, and the practical effects for Russian travelers and European economies. It also outlines the current application process and provides official resources for further information.

Methodology

This content draws on official statistics from the European Commission, statements from the Association of Russian Tour Operators (ATOR), and recent reporting by reputable immigration news sources. Quantitative data is presented in tables and described visually for clarity. The analysis compares trends over time and across countries, highlighting both the numbers and the policy context. All information is based on the most recent data available as of May 27, 2025.

Key Findings

• Italy 🇮🇹, France 🇫🇷, and Spain 🇪🇸 are the top Schengen countries issuing visas to Russian nationals in 2024.
• Over 540,000 Schengen visas were issued to Russians in 2024, a 20–25% increase from 2023.
• Italy leads with 152,254 visas issued (94.3% approval rate), followed by France (123,890 visas, 71.1% approval) and Spain (111,187 visas).
• Refusal rates for Russian applicants dropped from 10.6% in 2023 to 7.4% in 2024, well below the global average of 14.8%.
• Most visas (90%) are for tourism, showing strong demand for travel to Europe despite sanctions.
• Some Schengen countries have stopped issuing visas to Russians, but Italy, France, and Spain continue to process large numbers of applications.
• Multiple-entry visas for Russians have decreased, limiting flexibility for frequent travelers.
• Longer processing times and higher fees remain due to the suspension of visa facilitation agreements.

Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions

Schengen Visa Issuance to Russian Nationals (2024)

Table 1: Schengen Visa Applications and Issuance by Country

Visual Description:
Imagine a bar chart with five bars, each representing a country. Italy’s bar is the tallest, followed by France and Spain. Greece and Hungary have shorter bars, showing fewer visas issued. The approval rate is highest for Italy, with almost the entire bar filled, while France’s bar is about three-quarters full, reflecting its lower approval rate.

Total Russian Applications (2024): 606,594
Total Visas Issued to Russians (2024): 541,839–565,069 (minor discrepancies due to reporting dates)

Trends and Patterns

• Italy, France, and Spain together account for the majority of Schengen visas issued to Russian nationals.
• Visa approvals for Russians have increased sharply in 2024, despite ongoing EU sanctions.
• Refusal rates have dropped, making it easier for Russians to obtain Schengen visas in these countries.
• Multiple-entry visas are less common, dropping from 49.2% to 41.3% in 2024, which means more Russians receive single-entry visas.
• Tourism remains the main reason for travel, with 90% of visas issued for this purpose.

Comparisons and Context

Pre-2022 vs. Post-2022

• Before 2022, Russia was the top source of Schengen visa applications worldwide, with millions of applications and very low refusal rates.
• After 2022, following Russia’s actions in Ukraine, the EU suspended visa facilitation agreements with Russia. This led to:
  • Higher visa fees
  • Longer processing times
  • Stricter scrutiny of applications
  • Some Schengen countries (like the Baltic States, Poland, and the Czech Republic) stopped issuing visas to Russians almost entirely.

2023–2024 Developments

• Despite these restrictions, demand for Schengen visas from Russians rebounded sharply in 2024.
• Italy, France, and Spain emerged as the main gateways for Russian travelers, while other countries remained restrictive.
• Spain, previously more restrictive, increased its approvals in 2024, joining Italy and France as a top destination for Russian travelers.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

Why Are Italy, France, and Spain Issuing So Many Visas?

• Economic Interests:
  These countries benefit from Russian tourism, which brings in significant revenue for hotels, restaurants, and local businesses. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the economic impact of Russian visitors is a key reason why Italy, France, and Spain continue to approve large numbers of visas.

• National Policy Choices:
  While the EU sets overall rules, each Schengen country can decide how strictly to apply them. Italy, France, and Spain have chosen to keep their doors open to Russian tourists, while others have closed them.

• Tourism Demand:
  Russian travelers continue to see Europe as a top destination, especially for summer holidays. The Association of Russian Tour Operators (ATOR) reports a strong revival in demand for Schengen visas among Russians.

What Does This Mean for Russian Travelers?

• More Opportunities:
  Russians still have good chances of getting Schengen visas, especially if they apply to Italy, France, or Spain.
• Longer Waits and Higher Costs:
  Due to high demand and fewer consular staff, processing times are longer, and fees are higher than before 2022.
• Fewer Multiple-Entry Visas:
  Russians are less likely to get visas that allow them to enter and leave the Schengen area multiple times, which can be inconvenient for frequent travelers.
• Lower Refusal Rates:
  The drop in refusal rates means that most Russians who apply, especially to the top-issuing countries, are likely to be approved.

What Does This Mean for Schengen States?

• Tourism Revenue:
  Italy, France, and Spain gain economically from Russian visitors, which may influence their more open visa policies.
• Diplomatic Balancing:
  These countries must balance EU unity on sanctions with their own economic interests. The divergence in national policies shows underlying tensions within the Schengen area.

Step-by-Step Schengen Visa Application Process for Russian Nationals (2024)

1. Choose Your Main Destination:
   Decide which Schengen country you will spend the most time in (Italy, France, Spain, etc.).

2. Gather Required Documents:

   • Valid passport
   • Completed Schengen visa application form
   • Proof of travel insurance
   • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, invitation letter, etc.)
   • Travel itinerary (flight bookings, planned activities)
   • Proof of financial means (bank statements, sponsorship letter)
   • Explanation of the purpose of your visit
3. Book an Appointment:
   Schedule a visa appointment at the consulate or visa center of your chosen country.

4. Submit Your Application:
   Attend your appointment, submit all documents, provide fingerprints (biometrics), and pay the visa fee (which is higher than before 2022).

5. Wait for Processing:
   Processing times vary. Apply early, especially before busy travel seasons.

6. Receive Your Decision:
   Collect your passport with the visa or receive a notification if your application is refused.

Tip:
ATOR recommends applying as early as possible due to longer wait times, especially for summer travel.

Policy Implications and Practical Effects

For Russian Travelers

• Increased Opportunities:
  Despite sanctions, Russians can still visit Europe, especially through Italy, France, and Spain.
• Longer Wait Times:
  High demand and limited staff mean it can take weeks or even months to get a visa appointment and decision.
• Reduced Flexibility:
  Fewer multiple-entry visas mean travelers must apply more often if they want to visit Europe repeatedly.
• Lower Refusal Rates:
  Most applicants to Italy, France, and Spain are approved, making these countries the best options for Russian travelers.

For Schengen States

• Tourism Revenue:
  Russian tourists bring in money, supporting local economies in Italy, France, and Spain.
• Diplomatic Challenges:
  These countries must balance their economic interests with EU-wide sanctions and political pressures.
• Policy Divergence:
  The difference in visa policies among Schengen countries highlights tensions within the EU over how to handle Russian travelers.

Limitations

• Data Gaps:
  Some countries do not report full statistics, and there are minor discrepancies in total visa numbers due to different reporting dates.
• Changing Policies:
  Visa policies can change quickly in response to political events, so the situation may shift after May 2025.
• Processing Delays:
  High demand and limited consular staff can lead to unpredictable wait times for applicants.

Future Outlook

• Continued High Demand:
  Russian demand for Schengen visas is expected to stay strong, especially for tourism, unless new EU-wide restrictions are introduced.
• Possible Policy Changes:
  The EU regularly reviews sanctions and visa policies. More harmonized rules could be introduced, but as of May 2025, no new blanket restrictions are planned.
• Processing Challenges:
  Consulates may face backlogs and longer wait times during peak travel seasons.

Official Resources

For the most up-to-date information on Schengen visa policies and statistics, visit the European Commission’s official Schengen visa statistics page.

Practical Guidance for Russian Nationals

• Apply Early:
  Start your application process as soon as possible, especially if you plan to travel during busy seasons.
• Choose Your Destination Wisely:
  Italy, France, and Spain currently offer the best chances for approval.
• Prepare All Documents:
  Make sure you have all required paperwork to avoid delays or refusals.
• Expect Higher Fees and Longer Waits:
  Be ready for increased costs and longer processing times due to the suspension of visa facilitation agreements.
• Check Official Sources:
  Always refer to official consulate or embassy websites for the latest procedures and requirements.

Conclusion

Despite ongoing EU sanctions and political tensions, Italy, France, and Spain remain the leading Schengen countries issuing visas to Russian nationals in 2024. Approval rates are high, refusal rates have dropped, and tourism is the main reason for travel. The situation reflects a complex mix of sanctions, economic interests, and the strong appeal of European destinations for Russian travelers. While some Schengen countries have closed their doors, others continue to welcome Russian visitors, highlighting differences in national policy and the importance of tourism revenue. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the landscape may change if new EU-wide restrictions are introduced, but for now, Russian nationals still have viable options for visiting Europe.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Russian nationals should focus on Italy, France, and Spain for the highest chances of visa approval.
• Early application and careful preparation of documents are essential.
• Stay informed by checking official government resources for the latest updates.

For more detailed statistics and updates, consult the European Commission’s Schengen visa statistics and the official websites of the Italian, French, and Spanish consulates.

Learn Today

Schengen visa → A short-stay visa allowing travel within 26 European countries in the Schengen Area up to 90 days.
Approval rate → Percentage of visa applications granted compared to total applications submitted by applicants.
Multiple-entry visa → Visa permitting the holder to enter and exit the Schengen Area multiple times during its validity.
Visa facilitation agreements → EU agreements simplifying visa procedures and lowering fees for certain countries’ nationals.
Refusal rate → Percentage of visa applications denied by consulates or embassies relative to total applications.

This Article in a Nutshell

In 2024, Italy, France, and Spain remain top Schengen visa issuers to Russians, reflecting strong tourism demand despite EU sanctions. With increased approvals and reduced refusals, they balance economic benefits against geopolitical pressures, offering valuable travel opportunities amid longer waits and fewer multiple-entry visas for Russian applicants.
— By VisaVerge.com