Russian Interest in Schengen Visas Drops 10–20% Amid EU Sanctions and Policy Uncertainty
Moscow, Russia — Demand for Schengen visas among Russian citizens has declined sharply this autumn, with a drop of 10–20% reported by travel industry experts. The decrease is largely attributed to ongoing European Union sanctions and growing uncertainty surrounding future visa policies for Russian nationals.
As EU leaders continue debating potential travel restrictions—including a full ban on tourist visas for Russians as part of the upcoming 19th sanctions package—the ripple effects are already being felt. Many Russian travelers are either postponing their trips to Europe or opting for alternative destinations that offer visa-free entry, such as Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and several Asian countries.
“Earlier this year, interest in Europe was on the rise, and we anticipated a 20% increase in visa applications by the end of 2025. But concerns over sanctions have changed the outlook. This fall, applications have already dropped by 10–20%,” said Mikhail Abasov, general director of VCP Travel and an expert with the Russian Union of Travel Industry.
Travel companies report that around 15% of tourists have shifted their travel plans to more accessible countries. These destinations offer easier entry processes and have become increasingly attractive as the situation in Europe remains uncertain.
“Due to the unpredictable nature of Schengen visa approvals, more Russians are choosing destinations that don’t require visas,” said Dmitry Arutyunov, co-chair of the outbound tourism committee at the Russian Union of Travel Industry. “For example, demand for trips to China tripled immediately after it lifted visa requirements.”
At the same time, Schengen visa applicants are facing tighter scrutiny. Consulates are increasingly cracking down on so-called "visa shopping"—where applicants apply through countries they don’t intend to visit to boost their chances of approval. As a result, travelers must now provide more thorough documentation, including evidence of past travel.
“Visa shopping has become a major reason for refusals, prompting consulates to tighten checks,” Abasov explained.
Although the European Commission didn’t include visa restrictions in its latest sanctions package, further updates are expected by December. These changes may involve cutting tourism visa quotas and giving priority to family and business travel over leisure.
The overall number of visa applications from Russia has plummeted in recent years. In 2019, Russians were the largest group of Schengen visa applicants, submitting over 4.1 million requests. By 2024, that figure had plunged to just 606,600—accompanied by a sharp increase in rejection rates, which are now five times higher than they were previously.
With the prospect of even tighter visa rules on the horizon, more Russian travelers are looking to non-European destinations—and this shift may only accelerate in the coming months.
Source: Interfax International Information Group
