Despite facing bureaucratic and geopolitical hurdles, Russians have applied for more visas to Europe’s visa-free Schengen area in 2023 than the previous year, according to data from the business newspaper Kommersant. Demand for business and tourist visas to the 29-nation Schengen Zone has increased by 35% between January and October compared to the same period in 2023, with high demand persisting despite the EU’s restrictions in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The rise in visa applications is attributed to EU consulates in Russia cutting back on multiple-entry visas, prompting more Russians to apply for single-entry visas. Industry representatives believe that interest in visiting the Schengen area will remain steady as Russians quickly adapt to the new barriers in place. Despite most European countries closing airspace to Russian airlines, travelers are finding alternative routes through non-EU nations like Turkey to reach their Schengen destinations.
Before the war, Russians accounted for a significant portion of Schengen visa recipients worldwide, obtaining between one-fourth and one-third of all visas issued. Kommersant reported a 30% increase in flight bookings from Russia to Europe in September and October, with popular destinations such as France, Italy, and Spain representing around 17%-18% of bookings each. This indicates a strong desire among Russians to visit European countries despite the challenges posed by current geopolitical tensions.
The travel agency Continent Express also noted an increase in demand for Schengen visas, attributing this to the reduction in multiple-entry visas being issued by EU consulates in Russia. As a result, more Russians are opting for single-entry visas to facilitate their travel to the Schengen area. Despite the obstacles posed by the EU’s restrictions in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Russians continue to show strong interest in visiting Europe.
Travelers are finding ways to work around the limitations imposed by European countries, such as taking connecting flights through non-EU nations to reach their Schengen destinations. This indicates the resilience and adaptability of Russian tourists in the face of changing geopolitical circumstances. It also suggests that the desire to visit Europe remains high among Russians, despite the challenges they may encounter along the way.
Overall, the data presented by Kommersant and travel industry sources indicate that Russians are not deterred by bureaucratic and geopolitical hurdles when it comes to visiting Europe’s Schengen area. Despite the EU’s restrictions and the closure of airspace to Russian airlines, demand for Schengen visas continues to rise, with travelers finding alternative routes to reach their desired destinations. This resilience and adaptability point to the enduring allure of Europe for Russian tourists, who are willing to navigate obstacles in order to experience the cultural and historical treasures the continent has to offer.
