Thursday, March 13, 2025
The European Union has significantly increased the number of Schengen visas granted to Russian passport holders in 2024, despite ongoing sanctions and heightened security concerns. With a 25% surge compared to 2023, the total number of visas issued has exceeded 500,000, raising questions about policy contradictions and potential security risks.
Schengen Visa Issuance to Russians Surpasses 500,000 in 2024
According to the latest data published by the Schengen Barometer 2024, EU member states collectively issued 565,069 Schengen visas to Russian nationals. This marks a sharp increase in approvals despite previous restrictions aimed at limiting Russian access to European destinations.
A striking 90% of these visas were granted for tourism purposes, accounting for 508,562 approvals. Italy led the way as the most popular destination for Russian applicants, processing the highest number of Schengen visa applications.
Italy Leads Schengen Visa Approvals for Russian Travelers
Statistics reveal that Italy received the most applications from Russian citizens, granting 134,141 visas, equating to 30% of all approved applications. The country processed 143,517 requests, maintaining its position as a primary entry point for Russian tourists in the Schengen zone.
Despite the increase in Schengen visa issuance, several EU countries, including Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, and Czechia, have opted to halt tourism-related visas for Russian travelers, citing security concerns.
Latvia Pushes for a Complete Schengen Visa Ban for Russian Citizens
During a meeting at the Council of Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs of the European Union in Brussels, Latvian Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis urged member states to reconsider their visa policies for Russian citizens.
“In the current circumstances, we cannot continue business as usual. We must admit that we are in a hybrid war. In Latvia, this affects the daily work of security institutions both on the border and within the country. Therefore, I call on all member states to seriously recognize the threat. Denying such a service is our moral duty.”
Latvia is among the strictest EU nations in terms of Russian travel access. It has refused to issue Schengen visas for tourism purposes since 2022 and continues to lobby for a broader EU-wide ban.
Security vs. Tourism: The EU’s Dilemma
The sharp rise in Schengen visa approvals for Russians reflects a policy divide within the EU. While some countries, including Italy, France, and Germany, continue to approve a significant number of visa requests, others, such as Latvia and Poland, argue that allowing Russian travelers into Europe poses security risks.
European security agencies have also flagged concerns over the movement of Russian passport holders within the Schengen area, emphasizing the need for more stringent background checks and visa screening procedures.
Future of Russian Travel to the EU
As the EU navigates geopolitical tensions with Russia, the future of Schengen visa policies remains uncertain. Countries advocating for a ban may push for stricter travel restrictions, while others might continue issuing visas to maintain economic stability in their tourism sectors.
The increase in Russian visa approvals demonstrates that, despite sanctions, demand for travel to Europe remains strong. Whether the EU will implement tighter policies or sustain the current level of approvals will depend on evolving security assessments and diplomatic relations in the coming months.
Conclusion
With over 500,000 Schengen visas granted to Russian citizens in 2024, the EU faces a complex balancing act between tourism interests and security concerns. While some nations embrace Russian visitors, others push for a total visa ban. The coming months will determine whether policy shifts align with Latvia’s security-driven approach or maintain the status quo of increasing approvals.
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Inputs: schengen.news
Tags: border control, EU, Italy, latvia, passport, Russia, Sanctions, Schengen, security concerns, Tourism, Travel Policy, travel restrictions, visa
