Issuance of multiple-entry Schengen visas to Russians decreased by 90%
Tour operators, against the backdrop of tightening visa policies by European countries, are recording a significant reduction in the issuance of multiple-entry Schengen visas to Russian tourists this year, writes the Association of Tour Operators of Russia.
Photo: Lookby.Media
In January — March 2026, the number of multiple-entry visas issued decreased by at least 90% compared to the same period in 2025. Some tour operators reported that this year they practically did not receive multi-visas for their clients.
“Compared to January-March 2025, the issuance of multiple-entry visas decreased by 99%,” one of the companies reported.
According to tour operators, instead of multiple-entry visas, Russian tourists are issued double-entry visas in 50-60% of cases — “primarily for cruises.” This practice exists in the consulates of Italy, France, Spain, and Greece.
In most cases, Russian tourists planning trips to Europe should focus on single-entry visas for the duration of their trip, the ATOR publication notes.
At the same time, since the beginning of 2026, tour operators have recorded an increase in the number of applications for Schengen visas compared to the first quarter of 2025. For example, Space Travel recorded a 20-25% increase in this indicator.
PAC Group reported that the number of requests for visas to Spain and France doubled, to Italy by 30-40%, and to Greece and Hungary by 10%. In November 2025, the European Commission announced the suspension of multiple-entry Schengen visas for Russian citizens.
The EC statement said that Russians “will have to apply for a new visa every time they plan a trip to the EU.”
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