Last year, Italy stood out as the top issuer of Schengen visas to Russian citizens, approving 134.3 thousand applications, according to RBC. This figure placed Italy at the forefront of EU countries issuing visas to Russians during 2023 and underscored how Italian consulates handled a large share of travel requests from Russia. The data highlight a pattern where Italian authorities processed more Russian applications than peers, setting a benchmark for visa issuances within the bloc. (Source: RBC)
In the official breakdown, Italy led among EU nations with 134.3 thousand Schengen visas issued to Russians in 2023. France followed with 99.6 thousand visas, and Spain ranked third with 96.8 thousand. This ranking reveals a concentration of visa activity among a few Western European states, reflecting historical travel corridors, diplomatic relations, processing capacity, and regional consular policies that influenced where Russian applicants most often sought entry. (Source: European statistics publication, RBC)
European Commission figures show that Russian citizens filed a total of 520 thousand Schengen visa applications in 2023. Notably, about 10.6 percent of these applications were rejected for financial reasons, indicating that affordability and payment-related challenges were a non-trivial barrier for a portion of applicants. The data illuminate how economic factors intersect with visa procedures and how applicants sometimes face hurdles beyond documentary completeness. (Source: European Commission)
Earlier comments from the Russian Association of Tour Operators suggested there were opportunities to apply at older visa prices before a scheduled increase. Prospective applicants were advised that time remained to submit documents to visa centers in three countries — Italy, Hungary, and Greece — before price changes took effect on June 11. Reports noted ongoing vacancies at the Hungarian embassy in Moscow during that period, signaling that applicants could still progress without waiting for price hikes. (Source: Russian Association of Tour Operators)
Additionally, industry observers discussed strategies to improve approval odds, as noted by ATOR. While practical tips can help a petitioner present a stronger file, the fundamental requirement remains meeting visa criteria and ensuring sufficient financial and documentary preparedness. (Source: ATOR)