Since early 2022, Russian travelers have continued exploring Europe despite mounting travel hurdles. From attending major concerts in Zurich to celebrating holidays in Paris and touring historical landmarks in Germany, Russian tourists are still finding ways to visit the continent.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union halted direct flights with Russia and suspended its visa facilitation agreement, introducing more rigorous and costly application processes for Russian citizens. Schengen visa fees have risen, and many EU countries have cut back on consular appointments for Russian applicants, particularly nations sharing borders with Russia. The EU has also instructed member states to apply stricter scrutiny to Russian visa applications.
Despite the complications, these new restrictions do not outright ban Russian tourism in Europe. However, they have made access more complex and expensive. Some countries — including Latvia, Norway, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic — have taken stronger measures, imposing near-total bans on tourist visas for Russians.
Still, Russian interest in European travel persists. In 2024 alone, over 565,000 Schengen visas were issued to Russian citizens, with 90 percent linked to tourism. Although this figure represents a sharp decline from the four million visas granted in 2019 before the pandemic, it marks a 25 percent increase from 2023. Visa rejection rates vary widely across EU nations, ranging from just one percent to as high as sixty-five percent in the first half of 2024.
According to Russian travel industry officials, the renewed stability in visa issuance has fueled a rebound in demand. Some Russian tourists, even amid the bans and scrutiny, continue to travel discreetly across European destinations — including countries that have recently halted visa services for Russians.
Tags: Russian travelers Schengen visas,
