Archive · 23 Sep 2025
Russian Demand for Schengen Visas Declines Amid EU Sanctions
Imagine you want to visit Europe, but the rules are changing.
Because of some disagreements, the EU is considering making it harder for Russians to get visas.
This has caused fewer Russians to want to travel to Europe.
Some are choosing to go to places like Turkey or Asia where it’s easier to visit.
The number of Russians applying for these visas has dropped significantly.
If the rules do change, it may become harder to get a visa, and it could cost more.
Demand for Schengen visas from Russia has decreased by 10-20% this fall.
Uncertainty around potential visa restrictions from the EU is a key factor.
Some Russian tourists are opting for visa-free destinations.
Visa application scrutiny has increased, affecting applicants.
The EU is discussing further restrictions on Russian tourists.
- Who
- Russian tourists and EU countries
- What
- Decline in demand for Schengen visas for Russian citizens
- When
- Fall of 2024 and onward
- Where
- EU countries and Russia
- Why
- EU sanctions and uncertainty around visa policies
EU Perspective
Russian Tourist Perspective
Visa Restrictions
EU Perspective
EU is considering tighter visa requirements or a ban for Russian tourists.
Russian Tourist Perspective
Russian tourists are facing tighter visa checks and potential restrictions
Alternative Destinations
EU Perspective
EU aims to impose sanctions to curb travel to the EU.
Russian Tourist Perspective
Russian tourists are opting for destinations without visa requirements.
- Decline in Demand
- 10-20%
- Applications in 2019
- Over 4.1 million
- Applications in 2024
- 606,600
- Refusal Rate (2019)
- 1.5%
- Refusal Rate (2024)
- 5 times higher than 2019
- Alternative Destinations
- Turkey, UAE, parts of Asia, China