How to Get European Visas for Russians
The European travel scene for Russians has changed drastically since February 2022. Almost a million Russian nationals entered the EU through land borders, mostly through Finland and Estonia. The EU suspended its visa facilitation agreement with Russia, which led to longer processing times, higher costs, and stricter visa application reviews.
Russian travelers face tough challenges today, especially when you have countries like Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland enforcing complete entry bans for Russian nationals with short-stay Schengen visas. This complete guide will help you direct through your current options and requirements for European travel.
Let’s look at the possible paths, different solutions, and smart ways to secure European visas in this complex situation.
Understanding the Current European Travel Landscape
“With over 500,000 Schengen visas granted to Russian citizens in 2024, the EU faces a complex balancing act between tourism interests and security concerns.” — Travel and Tour World, Travel industry news publication
Russian citizens’ ability to travel across Europe has changed dramatically. Right now, Russian passport holders can visit 114 countries without a visa or get one on arrival. This puts them at 45th place worldwide in passport power. The Russian passport ranks highest among documents that still need visas to visit major Western countries, including the EU.
Russians can still travel freely to some European countries. They can stay in Belarus without any time limits. Serbia and Montenegro let them visit for 30 days without a visa. Bosnia and Herzegovina also welcomes Russian travelers for up to 30 days.
The EU has tightened its entry rules at the borders. The EU stopped its visa facilitation agreement with Russia in September 2022. This means Russian citizens now face:
- Longer wait times (15 to 45 days)
- Higher visa fees (€80 instead of €35)
- Tougher document requirements
- Fewer multiple-entry visas
Some EU countries have set up their own border rules. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland don’t let Russian citizens with Schengen visas enter anymore. They make exceptions for:
- EU citizens’ family members
- Humanitarian cases
- Transport and diplomatic staff
- Students and researchers
Finland used to be a major entry point with over 519,000 Russian crossings. Now they don’t allow Russians to enter for tourism. Norway will follow suit from May 2024. Russians won’t be able to enter for non-essential reasons, but they can still visit close family members.
The EU still looks at each visa application individually. They give special attention to:
- EU citizens’ family members
- Seafarers
- Students and researchers
- Journalists
- Human rights defenders
- Civil society representatives
Frontex data shows more than 1.4 million Russians entered the EU through land borders after February 2024. This shows people still move between Russia and Europe, just with more hurdles. Russian travelers must now go through other countries to reach the EU since direct flights aren’t running.
Alternative Visa Pathways for Russians
“Travelers from Russia must have proof of travel insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, including repatriation in case of death.” — American Visitor Insurance, Travel insurance provider
Russian nationals can still get European visas through several different paths. These paths give them good ways to settle in Europe through legal means.
Digital Nomad Visas Many European countries welcome Russian remote workers with digital nomad visa programs. Estonia leads the way by offering a one-year visa that can extend for six months if you earn at least €4,500 monthly. Greece makes a good choice with its €3,500 monthly income rule, while Portugal asks for €3,280 monthly earnings. Hungary’s “White Card” visa needs proof that you make €3,000 each month.
Student Visas
The EU keeps friendly visa rules for Russian students and researchers. Russians can study in Europe through programs like Erasmus+ and Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions. These visas help with:
- Higher education mobility (2-12 months)
- Research training
- Career development that focuses on innovation skills
Business and Investment Visas
Investment paths give substantial chances to enter Europe. Italy’s Investor Visa program lets you choose from these options:
- €2 million in Italian government bonds
- €500,000 in Italian limited companies
- €250,000 in Italian innovative startups
- €1 million in philanthropic initiatives
Family Reunification Options
Family reunification stands as one of the most reliable ways Russians can enter Europe. Main family members include:
- Spouses
- Children
- Dependent descendants
- Dependent parents or grandparents
These family members can get their visas faster and might receive residence cards that let them travel without visas in the Schengen area. Extended family members like siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles might also get faster visa processing in some cases.
Without doubt, each path needs careful attention to specific rules and papers. Latvia has put limits on digital nomad visas for Russian citizens, but Croatia keeps its rules more open with a €2,500 monthly income requirement.
Strategic Application Locations
Russian nationals can boost their Schengen visa approval chances by applying from specific locations outside Russia. Here’s a look at the best places to apply and what makes them special.
Benefits of applying from Georgia Georgia proves to be an excellent choice for Russians who want Schengen visas. The Estonian Embassy in Tbilisi takes 7-10 days to process applications [link_1], though this might stretch to 30 days in certain cases. You can submit your paperwork in Russian, English, or Estonian. The Netherlands Embassy in Tbilisi welcomes applications too, with a straightforward 15-day processing time.
Application process in Turkey
Turkey’s electronic visa system runs around the clock, making it a great base for Russian travelers. The Turkish e-Visa platform lets you pay through various methods and works in multiple languages. VFS Global runs 18 centers throughout Turkey, making application submission easy and convenient.
Other favorable third countries
Some Schengen member states show better visa approval rates for Russian applicants:
- Switzerland boasts an 89.3% visa approval rate
- Latvia comes close with 88.3% approval
- Italy approves 88% of all applications
The Russian Union of Travel Industry reports that several Schengen countries now process applications faster. Hungary stands out by giving multiple-entry visas to about 70% of people who travel with organized tours.
Here are some key tips to pick the right application location:
- Send in your application at least 15 days before you plan to travel
- Book appointments directly instead of using middlemen to save money
- Keep in mind that processing might take up to 45 days in some cases
The best results come from applying at the consulate of the country where you’ll spend most time. If your time is split equally between countries, apply through your first entry point. This approach, along with choosing the right application location, will give you better chances of getting your Schengen visa.
Long-Term Solutions for Russian Travelers
Russians who want to settle abroad have several stable and secure options beyond temporary visas. Here are the most practical choices right now.
Getting residence permits in non-EU countries
Temporary residence permits in Turkey are available to anyone who gets a domestic Work-Residence Permit for stays longer than 90 days. Georgia welcomes Russian nationals through its employment-based residence program when they get work contracts with local companies. Kazakhstan’s Temporary Residence Permits (TRP) work best for people who plan to stay long-term.
Brazil makes things simple by offering several permits that let you work. You can process most residence permits after you arrive. Armenia gives you another choice, but you’ll need temporary residence permits if you plan to stay longer.
What to know about dual citizenship
Russia’s new citizenship law from late 2023 has strict rules about dual citizenship. The country only allows dual citizenship with specific partner nations – Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. Russian citizens must tell the Russian General Directorate of Migratory Affairs if they get citizenship elsewhere.
The Czech Republic accepts citizenship applications from Russians who can prove they’ve given up their Russian citizenship. This means Russians who want citizenship in most countries must choose between keeping their Russian passport or getting a new nationality.
Refugee and humanitarian options
The European Union has special rules to protect Russians who need help. Humanitarian visas help speed up the process if you need urgent assistance. You can get these visas in France, Switzerland, Italy and other countries if you:
- Need to apply for asylum
- Are vulnerable and need protection
- Want to reunite with family
- Don’t have protection anywhere else
Humanitarian Admission Programs give you another quick way to reach safe countries. These programs give you:
- Simple procedures
- Clear protection timeframes
- Rights and services access
- Ways to possibly stay permanently
The EU helps Russian journalists, dissidents, and human rights defenders through humanitarian channels. Latvia and Lithuania have strict policies but still give humanitarian visas to hundreds of Russian pro-democracy activists.
Conclusion
Russian citizens face the most important changes for European travel, but practical options still exist. A smart plan and the right approach can lead to successful visa approvals. Those seeking longer stays in European countries can look at flexible paths through digital nomad programs, student visas, or business investment routes.
On top of that, visa applications from countries like Georgia or Turkey might improve your chances. Russian travelers often find better luck with Swiss and Italian visas. These choices, paired with the right paperwork and timing, create real paths to European travel.
The core team has found ways to help people looking to move permanently. Non-EU residence permits, humanitarian routes, and special protection provisions give more stability than temporary visas. Our recent post about updated visa rules and travel limits has all the details you need for your situation.
The path to European destinations remains open to Russian citizens who plan well and understand their options. Your success depends on picking the right route, getting your paperwork ready, and keeping up with new rules.