The number of Schengen visas issued to Russian passport holders in 2024 has increased by a quarter (25 per cent) compared to 2023 figures, revealing that Schengen states are increasingly issuing more visas to this nationality group.
This phenomenon is particularly concerning considering that in the last two years, there have been stringent measures applied to Russian nationals, especially concerning Schengen visa issuance, Schengen.News reports.
At a meeting at the Council of Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs of the European Union in Brussels, the Schengen Barometer for 2024 was published and discussed. During this publication, it was revealed that 565,069 Schengen tourist visas were granted to Russian nationals.
90% of Visas Granted to Russians in 2024 Were Issued for Tourism Purposes
As a press release by the Latvian Interior Ministry revealed, about 90 per cent of the visas issued to Russian nationals in 2024, were for tourism purposes, accounting for 508,562 visas in total. In 2023, 520,387 visas were granted to Russian nationals.
According to statistics published by SchengenVisaInfo, Italy received most visa applications from Russians in 2023, and it was the main country to grant visas. The Italian authorities received 143,517 visa applications or 28 per cent of all visa requests filed.
Italy also granted the highest number of Schengen visas to Russians – a total of 134,141, which is 30 per cent of all visa applications that received a positive decision.
Latvia Urges Schengen States to Stop Issuing Visas to Russian Nationals
In the meeting for the presentation of Schengen Barometer data for 2024, during which security matters are also discussed, the Latvian Interior Minister called on Schengen states to stop issuing visas to Russians, arguing that the presence of these tourists could put at risk the EU internal security.
In the current circumstances, we cannot continue business as usual, we must admit that we are in a hybrid war. In Latvia, this affects the daily work of security institutions both on the border and within the country. Therefore, I call on all member states to seriously recognize the threat. Denying such a service is our moral duty.
Latvia is one of six EU member states that is no longer issuing Schengen visas for tourism purposes to Russians, including Poland, Estonia, Lithuania and Czechia.
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