The number of Schengen visas issued to Russian citizens in 2024 has surpassed 550,000, marking a 25% increase compared to the previous year, despite strict EU sanctions.
This data was revealed during a meeting of the EU Council of Ministers for Justice and Home Affairs in Brussels, where the 2024 Schengen Barometer was presented. According to the report, 565,069 Schengen tourist visas were granted to Russian nationals in 2024, up from 520,387 in 2023.
Latvia Calls for a Visa Ban for Russian Citizens
Following the announcement, Latvia’s Minister of the Interior, Rihards Kozlovskis, called on Schengen member states to stop issuing visas to Russian tourists, arguing that their presence could pose a threat to the EU’s internal security.
“Under current circumstances, it is impossible to continue business as usual. We must acknowledge that we are in a hybrid war. In Latvia, this affects the daily operations of security agencies both at the border and within the country. I urge all EU members to recognize the threat. Denying this service is our moral duty,” Kozlovskis stated.
Schengen Visa Restrictions for Russian Citizens
Latvia is among six EU countries that have already stopped issuing Schengen visas for tourism purposes to Russian citizens. The other countries enforcing similar restrictions are Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic.
While some EU nations continue to process visa applications for Russians, discussions on potential new restrictions remain ongoing.
