What countries issue a Schengen visa in 2025
Believe me, there are such countries. This article provides recommendations on how to get to Europe. Find out who welcomes tourists from Russia and how to get a Schengen visa while living abroad.
New rules for entering the European Union
Just in case, let's clarify: a Schengen visa is a visa that allows entry and travel within the Schengen Area countries. These are Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Greece, Germany, Denmark, Iceland, Italy, Spain, Lithuania, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, France, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, Croatia, Estonia. Also, with a Schengen visa in your passport, you can vacation in Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, and Albania (after the seasonal visa-free regime ends).
Since September 12, 2022, Russians have not been able to apply for visas under simplified procedures. What has changed:
• A visa to Europe for Russians has become more expensive. Consular fee for Russian citizens:
— short-stay Schengen visa (Category C) for applicants over 12 years old — 80 euros;
— for children aged 6 to 12 years — 40 euros.
• Application processing times have increased — 15 days. If additional documents are required — up to 45 days.
• Document verification standards have become stricter. An impeccable visa history and correctly used multiple-entry visas do not guarantee a long-term visa. Visa centers in France, Spain, and Italy are most loyal to tourists from Russia.
• The possibility of obtaining an urgent visa has been canceled.
• Border control for compliance with entry conditions to Europe has been strengthened.
The implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is planned. The system controls and authorizes entry for tourists from countries where a visa to the Schengen Area is not required. Applications for this system will be filled out electronically. If the applicant passes the check and meets all requirements, they receive an entry authorization for up to three years. Authorization through this system will take no more than 15 minutes.
ETIAS is not intended for Russians. As before, Russian citizens will need to present a visa to enter Europe.
Next, let's look at how to obtain a Schengen visa under the new conditions.
Which countries do not issue Schengen visas to Russians
• Lithuania
• Estonia
• Latvia
• Poland
• Czech Republic
• Finland
• Belgium
• Denmark
• Slovakia
• Netherlands
Furthermore, Russians are prohibited from entering Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Czech Republic, and Poland. A valid Schengen visa from another European country also does not grant the right to visit these countries. Transit, unfortunately, is prohibited.
Special grounds are required for entry and transit. Persons entering for humanitarian reasons (funeral of a relative, care for a sick family member), family members of EU citizens, holders of residence permits and Category D visas, diplomats and their families may cross the external border of the Schengen Area.
Tourists with a valid short-stay visa can enter the Czech Republic, Poland, Finland, and the Baltic states from another Schengen Area country — this is not considered crossing the external Schengen border.
Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Slovakia are open to Russian citizens. Be prepared for increased control at Dutch airports if you arrive from a country outside the Schengen Area.
Which countries currently issue Schengen visas
If you want to get a single-entry visa for your travel dates and are prepared for frequent rejections.
• Austria
• Greece
• Hungary
• Germany
• Slovenia
• Portugal. An invitation from relatives increases the likelihood of obtaining a multiple-entry visa.
• Sweden. Visa processing takes a long time. Invitations from family members do not increase the chances of getting a visa.
• Croatia. Joined Schengen on January 1, 2024. From this date, it is not possible to enter the country with visas from Cyprus, Romania, or Bulgaria. National Croatian visas issued before 2024 do not grant the right to visit Schengen Area countries.
If you want a multiple-entry visa (i.e., one that allows travel to other European countries) with a low rejection rate.
• Italy
• Spain
• France
What documents are needed
Documents can be submitted six months before the start of the trip. It is optimal to submit documents 45 days before the planned trip. But no later than 15 calendar days.
The list and requirements for the set of documents are generally the same for all consulates. However, there are nuances that you can find on the embassy websites. The list is usually as follows:
1. Application form for each applicant (one or two depending on the country).
2. Foreign passport, valid for at least three months after returning from the Schengen Area. The document must have at least two blank pages.
3. Copies of a second foreign passport (if obtained).
4. Copies of the first page of the current foreign passport and Schengen visas for the last three years. If visas are stamped in old passports, then copies of the first pages of those passports.
5. Copies of the internal passport for applicants over 14 years old: first two pages, registration, marital status, list of issued foreign passports.
6. Two photos 3.5 x 4.5 cm.
7. Copies of paid round-trip tickets. Detailed itinerary. That is, for example, if you are going to France and planning a weekend in Paris, and then a week in Provence, indicate this in your travel plan. Some attach car rental reservations in advance.
8. Apartment or hotel reservations.
9. Insurance policy valid in the European Union. Issued for the entire travel period. Minimum coverage amount — 30,000 euros.
10. Documents confirming the applicant's financial solvency. For example, income statements, employment certificates, bank statements, bank account statements for the last three months, sponsorship letter.
11. Consent to personal data processing.
12. Copy of birth certificate and parental consent for a minor's travel.
13. Consular and service fees.
Visa abroad
Living in Bali, Yerevan, Batumi, Antalya — in short, in temporary or long-term emigration? It's okay: there's still a possibility to get a Schengen visa there.
If you have a residence permit
• Georgia. You can apply to German and French visa centers.
• Turkey. Obtain an ikamet and after six months, gather documents for a Schengen visa. After returning from a trip to Europe, the residence permit must be valid for another three months.
• Armenia. You can apply for a Spanish Schengen visa if you have a social card. The social card is issued at the passport office. Production time is less than a week. Biometrics can be done at the Spanish visa center in Yerevan.
If you don't have a residence permit
If you are not a resident of the country from which you will be applying for a Schengen visa, you need to state a serious reason and support it with evidence.
If you have previously submitted biometrics, you can pay the visa fee, gather the required documents, and use a courier service. This way, it is possible to apply for a Swiss Schengen visa.
How to get to European countries
Currently, direct flights from Russia to European countries are not available. But you can fly with a layover: the most popular are via Istanbul, Yerevan, and Dubai.
You can check tickets here:
And don't forget to subscribe to our Telegram channel! There you'll find: selections of inexpensive tickets, private sales for subscribers, the latest news on entry rules for countries worldwide, and simply interesting travel content — travel hacks, guides, and expert advice.
