Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, EU countries increased the issuance of Schengen visas to Russians by 10% in 2025. The vast majority of these permits were granted by France, Italy, and Spain, a trend that has sparked intense political debate within the Union.
This was reported by Dengi.ua with reference to Euractiv.
Statistical Breakdown: Russian Visas in 2025
Internal data circulated among EU national governments reveals that Russian citizens submitted over 670,000 Schengen visa applications in 2025 - an 8% increase compared to 2024. Ultimately, over 620,000 visas were approved (a 10.2% increase). The structure of the issued permits is as follows:
- Tourist Visas: Over 477,000 (approx. 77% of the total).
- Private Visits: (Family and friends) The second-largest category.
- Business Travel: The third-largest category.
Lead Issuers and Political Scandals
France, Italy, and Spain combined accounted for nearly three-quarters of all visas issued to Russians in 2025. France not only leads in absolute volume but also recorded the highest growth rate - up 23% year-on-year. Official data from 2019 indicates over 56,000 Russians reside in France, with a high concentration on the French Riviera. In the region between Antibes and Monaco alone, local authorities have previously frozen more than 50 properties linked to sanctioned individuals.
In Italy, the visa issue escalated into a political scandal surrounding the Venice Biennale. Organizers reportedly attempted to bypass EU sanctions to invite Russian artists, resulting in Brussels withdrawing funding for the event.
The Internal EU Rift
The 2025 visa statistics have exposed a deep divide between European capitals regarding their approach to Russia. At the center of the controversy is the "Schengen Barometer," the European Commission’s internal monitoring tool. Diplomats suggest that France was particularly hesitant to see these figures publicized. Meanwhile, Baltic and Scandinavian nations maintain a firm stance, arguing that Russian citizens should not be vacationing in Europe while Moscow continues its war against Ukraine. Notably, data on Russian visas initially vanished from recent statistical editions, only being reinstated in a separate technical document after eight EU member states formally raised the issue.
Current Restrictions and Future Outlook
In 2022, the European Commission recommended that member states deprioritize Russian visa applications or deny them entirely in certain cases. The EU has also fully suspended its visa-facilitation agreement with Moscow. As of 2025, new regulations have effectively ended the issuance of long-term multiple-entry visas ("multivisas") to Russians.
Currently, every trip to the EU requires a fresh application, allowing European security services to conduct more rigorous individual screenings. Furthermore, the EU is debating a total ban on visas for Russian citizens with combat experience in Ukraine. This initiative, which could affect over 2 million Russian military personnel and mercenaries, is expected to be considered by the EU Council in June.
