Schengen Visa for Russians 2026: New Rules and Conditions

Joining the Schengen area has always been attractive to Russian citizens, providing the opportunity to travel freely across most of Europe without the need for separate visas for each country. However, with the entry in 2023, there have been significant changes to the procedure for obtaining a Schengen visa for Russian travelers. In accordance with new rules developed by the European Union authorities, the issuance of visas has become more strictly regulated, which may affect many Russians seeking to visit the Schengen countries.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the key changes in the procedure for obtaining a Schengen visa for Russian citizens in 2023. We will get acquainted with the new requirements that have been imposed on applicants and consider the possible consequences of these changes for tourism and business.

Past: Simplified Schengen visa procedure and its abolition

The agreement between Russia and the Schengen countries, valid from 2007 to 2022, allows Russians to obtain Schengen visas in a simplified manner. These include multiple-entry visas, which allow multiple entries and are valid for up to five years. This type of visa allows Russians to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within six months. The visa fee is 35 euros.

Changes: New rules for obtaining a Schengen visa in 2023

In 2022, the simplified agreement expires, and new rules for obtaining Schengen visas will be introduced for Russians. Previously issued visas (multiple-entry) remain valid. However, the visa fee has been increased to 80 euros and 40 euros for children aged 6 to 12 years. The number of multiple-entry visas has decreased, but the number of refusals has increased.

Consulates of some countries, such as Germany, extend the processing time for applications to 45 days. On the other hand, the time for sending files is limited and can take weeks or months. Some consulates only allow robotic declarations.

The list of documents required to obtain a visa has also been expanded. Not all Schengen countries issue multiple-entry visas to Russians. Some countries, such as Spain, Belgium and Germany, have stopped issuing tourist visas altogether. In addition, holders of Russian passports (with a Schengen visa) are prohibited from entering some countries, such as Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Finland, the Czech Republic and Estonia.

Getting a Schengen visa in 2023: a quick overview of the process

Due to the changes in 2023, Russians will have to follow new rules for obtaining a Schengen visa. The visa fee is 80 euros for adults and 40 euros for children aged 6-12. The number of multiple entry permits has decreased, while the number of refusals has increased significantly.

The application process takes longer and can take up to 45 days, especially in some countries such as Germany. If you want to send files visually, you can wait from a week to a month before the date and wait for the bots to send.

To get a visa, you need to provide a lot of documents, and depending on the country you are in, you will also need to provide pre-paid air tickets and hotel tickets. Financial security also plays an important role, and most bank accounts should be business accounts (around 350,000 rubles and more).

It should be noted that the scope of the visa guarantee is very limited and only minors can write.

Where to apply for a Schengen visa and what services are available

The visa service allows Russians to apply for a Schengen visa, and the consulate has agreed to accept documents and biometric data. For example, the VFS Global Center supports Austria, Hungary, Malta, Norway, Slovenia, France, Croatia, Sweden, VMS and Almaviva for accepting visa applications to Italy, and the World Visa Center accepts information on Greek visa codes. The visa center also has offices in other cities in Russia.

There are also visa agencies on the market that can help travelers gather the necessary information, provide advice and use bots to search for applications. We also offer many additional services, such as embassy delivery and passport delivery with a visa. However, please note that third countries are not responsible for obtaining a visa, as the decision to issue a visa is made by national authorities.

Countries with the greatest favor to Russian citizens in 2023

France, Spain and Italy have shown the greatest loyalty to Russians, issuing visas for up to two years. Spain takes care of domestic affairs, issuing five-year visas. Greece is also loyal to Russian tourists, and the Greek consulate regularly announces the date of the next departure. However, to obtain a multiple-entry visa, you must own real estate in Greece.

Update: From 2023, EU member states will be able to apply for Schengen visas electronically. This will simplify the visa procedure for Russian citizens and reduce the waiting time for a decision. As a result, the availability and reliability of Russian citizens in these countries has increased significantly, which has contributed to the growth of tourism.

Countries with the least favourable attitude towards Russians in 2023

Switzerland, Austria and Germany refuse to issue Schengen visas. When Germany closed its offices in Yekaterinburg, Kaliningrad and Novosibirsk and consolidated all visa procedures in Moscow, some problems arose. This increases the processing time and makes it difficult to work with Russian researchers.

The European Union has decided to introduce a new type of visa for digital newcomers by 2023. This visa allows IT specialists, specialists and professionals to work remotely via the Internet to stay in the UAE. These benefits allow Russian specialists to live and work in the EU for a long time with a good reputation in Europe.

Chances of refusal of a Schengen visa

There is no list of visa-free ethnic groups, but visas have not been issued. Sometimes wealthy people with a valid visa history may be refused. The risk of refusal is very high if the applicant has not visited the Schengen countries or violated the visa regime (for example, by using the entry permit from one country to another). This is acceptable. Please note that visa restrictions may vary depending on the period and political laws of the country.

The European Union has taken several steps to define a Schengen visa for young people until 2023. It announced a special type of "youth visa" that is limited to children aged 18-30. year. The program allows young Russians to travel to EU member states for cultural, educational and recreational exchange. Thus, a new space will be created with young Russians that develops opportunities for dialogue and mutual understanding.

Refusal of a Schengen visa is not a final decision

It should be emphasized that there are no restrictions on the circumstances of refusal of a Schengen visa. Applicants who have been refused in one country can work in another country at the discretion of the visa agency. Visa refusal can be for various reasons. and time restrictions must be taken into account.

In 2023, the EU will strengthen cooperation with friendly countries on visa issues. Therefore, an agreement was signed with Russia to simplify the visa process. Reducing the processing time and increasing visa opportunities for Russians will contribute to the growth of tourism and strengthening cultural ties between different countries.

Travel to "forbidden" countries

Russians are officially prohibited from entering Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic and Estonia for tourism purposes from Russia, Belarus or third countries outside the Schengen area. In some cases, valid Schengen visas issued in these countries may be cancelled when attempting to enter the country.

As of 2023, the Schengen area still has no borders and few restrictions on the movement of people. Passports may be checked on trains and buses, but entry is not denied in most cases. In addition, entry to Finland and the Baltic States is allowed to Russia for a subsequent trip, which must be made on the day of entry. In this case, the tourist must present a ticket to Russia.