An IMGW News Report
In 2024, Schengen states issued a notable increase of 25% in Schengen visas to Russian passport holders, surpassing 500,000 in total, despite ongoing sanctions targeting Russian visa applicants. This surge is concerning given recent restrictions placed on Russian nationals seeking Schengen visas, as reported by Schengen.News.
“Italy led in visa applications received from Russians, accounting for 28% of all requests and granting 134,141 visas, making it the primary destination for Russian tourists within the Schengen Area”
At the Council of Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs in Brussels, the 2024 Schengen Barometer was unveiled, revealing that 565,069 Schengen tourist visas were granted to Russians. This marks a significant rise from previous years, underscoring a growing trend towards liberalising visa issuance despite geopolitical tensions.
The majority – approximately 90% – of these visas were allocated for tourism purposes, amounting to 508,562 visas in total for 2024, slightly down from 520,387 in 2023. Italy led in visa applications received from Russians, accounting for 28% of all requests and granting 134,141 visas, making it the primary destination for Russian tourists within the Schengen Area.
Latvia, alongside several other EU member states including Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, and Czechia, has urged a cessation of Schengen visa issuance to Russians, citing security concerns. This call was reiterated by Latvia’s Minister of Interior, Rihards Kozlovskis, who emphasised the risks posed by Russian tourists amidst what he described as a hybrid war scenario.
Latvia had ceased issuing Schengen tourist visas to Russians in 2022 following Russia’s actions in Ukraine, a measure extended until the end of 2026. Minister Kozlovskis highlighted incidents of irregular border crossings and sabotage involving Russian nationals as reasons for stricter visa controls.
The European Commission’s Schengen Barometer has drawn attention to these developments, prompting calls from Minister Kozlovskis for unified action across the EU on Schengen visa policy. EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, echoed concerns over security risks posed by Russian visitors, indicating a potential review of visa policies at the next EU interior ministers’ meeting.
