Introduction

In 2024, European Union (EU) countries issued 25% more Schengen visas to Russian citizens compared to the previous year. This rise comes despite ongoing tensions, economic sanctions, and security concerns related to Russia’s geopolitical actions. While some countries have welcomed an influx of Russian tourists, others have voiced strong opposition, warning of potential risks to European security.

The increase in visas highlights a divergence in policies across the EU, where some nations prioritize economic and tourism benefits, while others advocate for stricter border controls due to Russia’s role in global conflicts.

Key Takeaways

✅ Schengen visas granted to Russian citizens increased by 25% in 2024, totaling approximately 565,069 visas.
✅ Tourism remains the main purpose, with 90% of visas issued for leisure travel, amounting to around 508,562 tourist visas.
✅ Italy emerged as the top Schengen country for Russian travelers, granting the highest number of visas among EU states.
✅ Latvia and other Eastern European nations have urged a halt in visa issuance, citing national security concerns.
✅ The EU remains divided on its approach, balancing economic benefits with potential security risks.

A Surge in Visa Issuance Despite Sanctions

Despite strict EU sanctions on Russia following its military actions in Ukraine, the number of Schengen visas granted to Russian citizens rose significantly in 2024. This surge indicates that many EU member states continue issuing visas, prioritizing economic benefits from tourism.

The Schengen Barometer for 2024 revealed that EU countries issued approximately 565,069 Schengen visas to Russian citizens, a significant jump from 2023. Many applicants successfully obtained visas, particularly short-term tourist visas, allowing them to travel freely within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

This rise suggests that despite ongoing diplomatic conflicts, European tourism sectors still see Russian travelers as valuable contributors to local economies.

Tourism as the Driving Force

90% of Schengen visas granted to Russians in 2024 were specifically for tourism purposes, amounting to approximately 508,562 visas. This trend suggests that Russian citizens continue to see the EU as an important travel destination, despite strained relations between Moscow and Brussels.

Russian tourists have historically favored EU destinations due to their cultural appeal, shopping opportunities, and access to luxury services. This is particularly true for wealthy Russian travelers who contribute significantly to local hospitality industries, retail markets, and real estate sectors.

However, some critics argue that increased Russian tourism might allow individuals with government or military connections to exploit visa policies for purposes other than leisure travel.

Italy: The Leading Destination for Russian Travelers

Among EU countries, Italy granted the highest number of Schengen visas to Russian nationals in 2024. The Italian government received 143,517 visa applications from Russian citizens, accounting for 28% of all Schengen applications from Russia.

Of these, Italy approved 134,141 visas, making it the leading Schengen country for Russian travelers. The reasons behind Italy’s popularity include:

✔️ Cultural and historical significance – Many Russians are drawn to Italy’s art, fashion, and history, making it a prime tourist destination.
✔️ Business and property investments – Wealthy Russian citizens continue to invest in Italian real estate and businesses, further strengthening travel ties.
✔️ Flexible visa policies – Unlike some Eastern European nations, Italy has not imposed harsh visa restrictions on Russian nationals.

This trend underscores Italy’s economic reliance on Russian tourism, contrasting with stricter measures in countries like Latvia, Estonia, and Finland.

Latvia’s Push to Ban Russian Visas

Not all EU countries support increasing visa access for Russian citizens. Latvia has been one of the most vocal opponents, urging other EU states to halt Schengen visa issuance to Russian nationals due to security concerns.

The Latvian Interior Minister, Rihards Kozlovskis, has warned that continuing to issue visas to Russian citizens poses serious risks to EU security. He emphasized that business-as-usual policies are no longer acceptable, given Russia’s ongoing geopolitical actions.

Latvia’s government argues that:

❌ Some Russian visitors may have ties to the Kremlin or intelligence agencies, posing a security threat.
❌ Issuing visas to Russians while Ukraine remains under attack sends the wrong political message.
❌ Stopping visa access could increase pressure on the Russian government by limiting citizens’ freedom to travel.

Other Baltic states, such as Estonia and Lithuania, support Latvia’s stance and have already imposed strict visa bans on Russian applicants.

A Divided EU: Balancing Economy vs. Security

The divergence in EU policies regarding Russian visa issuance reflects the complex political landscape in Europe.

🔹 Southern and Western European nations, like Italy, Spain, and France, are more open to Russian tourism, as they see economic benefits in maintaining travel ties.
🔹 Eastern European nations, particularly those bordering Russia, such as Latvia, Estonia, and Poland, favor a complete halt on Russian visas, citing national security risks.
🔹 Germany, a key EU leader, remains cautious, advocating for targeted restrictions rather than a complete ban on Russian travelers.

This divide raises questions about the long-term direction of EU immigration and travel policies, especially if geopolitical tensions with Russia continue.

Opinion: Should the EU Continue Issuing Schengen Visas to Russians?

The debate over Schengen visas for Russian citizens reflects a larger issue of European foreign policy and security.

✔️ Supporters of continued visa issuance argue that:

• Banning all Russian visitors could be counterproductive, punishing ordinary citizens rather than the Russian government.
• Many Russians traveling to the EU are dissidents or individuals opposed to Kremlin policies, and restricting visas could harm them.
• Russian tourism significantly benefits local economies, especially in Southern European countries.

❌ Opponents argue that:

• Increased visas could be exploited for intelligence gathering and influence operations.
• It sends a mixed message—while the EU enforces sanctions, it still welcomes Russian visitors.
• Restricting visas could create additional pressure on the Russian government, pushing more citizens to challenge internal policies.

Ultimately, the EU must decide whether economic advantages outweigh potential security threats. Given the current political climate, further visa restrictions for Russian nationals may be inevitable, especially in countries closer to the Russian border.

Conclusion

The 25% increase in Schengen visas issued to Russian citizens in 2024 highlights the EU’s complex and often contradictory stance on Russia. While some nations prioritize economic interests, others demand stricter border policies to safeguard security.

As geopolitical tensions persist, the EU must strike a delicate balance between maintaining economic ties and enforcing strong diplomatic measures. Whether visa policies remain unchanged or tighten further will depend on Russia’s future actions and the evolving security landscape in Europe.