Debates over visa policy toward Russian citizens have flared up again across European Union member states. In 2025, Russians received more than 620,000 Schengen visas — the highest figure since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
According to the Euractiv portal, the number of visas issued to Russians rose by 10.2% compared to 2024. Most permits — more than 477,000 — were issued specifically as tourist visas, for travel and leisure purposes.
France topped the list of issuing countries, recording a particularly sharp increase. Italy and Spain followed behind. These three countries have traditionally remained the most popular destinations among Russian tourists.
The rise in visa issuances has triggered a fresh wave of criticism from several European politicians, particularly those from Eastern and Central European countries. Opponents of the “visa tourism” policy argue that such a volume of entry permits us to undermine the sanctions regime and creates security risks. Supporters, meanwhile, point to the economic benefits for the tourism industries of southern EU countries, and note that visas are granted on an individual basis following thorough screening.
As of now, the European Commission has issued no official response to the new figures. However, according to sources, the matter may be raised at one of the upcoming meetings of the EU Council on Home Affairs and Justice.