Schengen visas for Russians will not be canceled: current rules for 2025
Только самое полезное
Schengen visas for Russians have not been canceled. We analyze the current rules for obtaining them in 2025: cost, terms, restrictions by country, and issuance statistics.
Many rumors and news reports in recent months have suggested that the European Union is preparing to completely ban the issuance of Schengen visas to Russian citizens. However, the reality is different: Schengen visas will remain available to Russians in 2025, although the application process has become more complicated and expensive.
European debate: why talks about visa abolition have not become a reality
Visa restrictions were indeed discussed during the preparation of the 19th package of EU sanctions. Some countries proposed a complete halt to the issuance of visas to Russians. However, no unanimous decision was reached. A number of countries — Italy, France, Greece — opposed this radical measure, stressing that it violates the foundations of the EU Visa Code and could damage tourism and international relations.
In recent months, there has been active discussion about the European Union allegedly preparing to completely ban the issuance of Schengen visas to Russian citizens. This topic became particularly prominent in the context of the preparation of the 19th package of sanctions, in which a number of countries proposed including visa restrictions.
However, in practice, no consensus was reached among EU countries. Many states, including Italy, France, and Greece, opposed the radical measure, pointing out that a complete ban contradicts the basic principles of the EU Visa Code and could negatively affect tourism, educational programs, and business relations.
Fact: there is no EU-wide ban on issuing Schengen visas to Russian citizens.
Schengen visas for Russians continue to be issued, although the procedure for obtaining them has become significantly more complicated.
In recent months, there has been active discussion about the European Union allegedly preparing to completely ban the issuance of Schengen visas to Russian citizens. This topic became particularly prominent in the context of the preparation of the 19th package of sanctions, in which a number of countries proposed including visa restrictions.
However, in practice, no consensus was reached among EU countries. Many states, including Italy, France, and Greece, opposed the radical measure, pointing out that a complete ban contradicts the basic principles of the EU Visa Code and could negatively affect tourism, educational programs, and business relations.
Fact: there is no EU-wide ban on issuing Schengen visas to Russian citizens.
Schengen visas for Russians continue to be issued, although the procedure for obtaining them has become significantly more complicated.
What has really changed in recent years
Suspension of the simplified agreement
From September 2022, Russians will have to submit documents in accordance with the full procedure. The deadlines have been extended and the requirements have become more stringent.
Increase in visa costs
From June 2024, the basic consular fee will be €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6–11.
Stricter document checks
Consulates now require more detailed evidence of the purpose of the trip, financial situation, and itinerary.
From September 2022, Russians will have to submit documents in accordance with the full procedure. The deadlines have been extended and the requirements have become more stringent.
Increase in visa costs
From June 2024, the basic consular fee will be €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6–11.
Stricter document checks
Consulates now require more detailed evidence of the purpose of the trip, financial situation, and itinerary.
National characteristics and practices of different countries
The situation varies across EU countries:
Thus, the absence of a uniform ban does not mean the same conditions in all countries. Success depends directly on the choice of consulate and the quality of document preparation.
- The Baltic states and Finland have maintained strict restrictions: tourist visas are rarely issued to Russian citizens, and entry may be restricted even with valid visas.
- Central and Southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, Greece) continue to issue visas in significant numbers. These countries remain a “window of opportunity” for those applying for Schengen documents.
- Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands take a stricter approach: they issue visas, but mainly for “serious reasons” — study, work, family reunification, medical reasons.
Thus, the absence of a uniform ban does not mean the same conditions in all countries. Success depends directly on the choice of consulate and the quality of document preparation.
Visa issuance statistics
In 2024, Russians submitted over 600,000 applications and received more than 540,000 Schengen visas. Most were issued in Italy, France, and Spain. These figures confirm that it is possible to obtain a visa despite political discussions.
What to consider when submitting documents
- You need to be as prepared as possible. Today, applicants are required to provide a complete set of documents and a clearly stated purpose for their trip. The choice of country for submitting your application is critical. If the purpose is tourism, it is better to focus on countries with more lenient practices, such as Italy or Spain.
- Financial transparency. Consulates carefully check the availability of funds, the origin of income, and travel plans.
- Duration of the procedure. Review may take longer than before, so it is better to submit documents in advance.
- Risks of refusal. Even with a perfect set of documents, the final decision remains with the consulate.
Conclusion: Schengen remains accessible
Сегодня важно отделять слухи от реальности. Несмотря на громкие заявления и обсуждения, шенгенские визы для россиян не отменены. Да, процесс стал дороже и сложнее, а условия зависят от конкретного государства. Но возможность получить визу остаётся, особенно если грамотно подойти к подготовке документов и правильно выбрать страну подачи.
Европейская визовая политика развивается в условиях политической турбулентности, и в будущем дискуссии о новых ограничениях наверняка продолжатся. Однако на текущий момент россияне всё ещё могут получить шенгенскую визу и путешествовать по Европе.
Европейская визовая политика развивается в условиях политической турбулентности, и в будущем дискуссии о новых ограничениях наверняка продолжатся. Однако на текущий момент россияне всё ещё могут получить шенгенскую визу и путешествовать по Европе.
Why do customers choose Visa Dan?
Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:
- Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
- Complete transparency and support at every stage.
- A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
- Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.
The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!