Russians face sharp drop in multi-entry Schengen visas

The issuance of multiple-entry Schengen visas to Russian citizens fell sharply in the first quarter of 2026, dropping by 90% compared with the same period last year, the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) said.

Some travel companies reported an even steeper decline of up to 99%.

In many cases, Russian travelers are now being issued double-entry visas instead, accounting for 50–60% of approvals, primarily for cruise trips. This practice has been observed in the consulates of Italy, France, Spain, and Greece. In other circumstances, tourists are typically granted single-entry visas strictly limited to the duration of their planned trip.

Despite the decline in multi-entry visas, overall demand for Schengen visas is on the rise. Tour operators report that applications have doubled for France and Spain since the beginning of the year, increased by 30–40% for Italy, and grown by 10% for Greece and Hungary. Overall, the total increase in visa applications is estimated at 20–25%, reflecting a sustained interest in European travel among Russian tourists.

By Vafa Guliyeva