≡-Italy, France, Spain, and Other European Countries See Powerful Surge in Russian Tourism with Schengen Visa Growth Amid Ukraine Crisis – Viral of Today

<> Viral of Today <>
Home » France Travel News » Italy, France, Spain, and Other European Countries See Powerful Surge in Russian Tourism with Schengen Visa Growth Amid Ukraine Crisis Tuesday, July 29, 2025Even as the crisis in Ukraine continues, Italian, French, Spanish and other European cities have received a power punch of Russian tourism. The increase is thanks to a sharp rise in the number of Schengen visas being handed out, with Italy, France and Spain being the top issuers. And these countries have opened up the Schengen to Russians, inviting the tourists to roam across Europe without hassle. The increase in tourism is due both to the popularity of Europe as one of the best travel destinations in the world, and also to the relatively ease visa policies in some countries, notwithstanding the current political conflicts. This increase points to the fact that despite the war, European countries still have an appeal for Russian tourists to visit Europe even under difficult conditions.Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian tourists are gradually returning to Europe, with some countries making it easier for them to visit. While the war rages on and sanctions remain in place, including closed European airspace and the continuation of Western sanctions, several European nations are still welcoming Russian visitors. Specifically, Italy, France, and Spain have made significant efforts to ease the entry process by issuing a notable number of Schengen visas, which grant Russian citizens freedom to travel across the Schengen area.Schengen Visas: A Growing TrendIn 2024, over 552,000 Schengen visas were granted to Russian nationals, marking a 9% increase compared to the previous year. This number, while still far lower than the 4 million visas issued in 2019 before the pandemic and the onset of the war, reflects a significant upward trend. Italy has issued the most visas, with over 152,000 granted, followed by France with 124,000 and Spain with 111,000.In addition to the visa issuances, there has been a notable rise in the number of overnight stays by Russian tourists, particularly in Italy and France. Both of these countries have experienced a 19% increase in stays by Russian nationals, signaling a recovery of Russian tourism despite the ongoing war. When questioned about this trend, Italy and France have pointed out that they distinguish between the Russian government and the general population, emphasizing that the individuals visiting Europe may not necessarily support the conflict.Security Concerns and Diplomatic TensionsHowever, this surge in Russian tourism has not been without controversy. Ukrainian officials, along with some European critics, have expressed concerns about the potential security risks posed by an influx of Russian tourists. They argue that many Russians still support the war in Ukraine, with some believing the conflict is not just with Ukraine but with the West itself. This sentiment raises alarms about the possibility that Russian nationals may use tourism as a cover for espionage or other malicious activities.Furthermore, as cyberattacks on European infrastructure continue to rise and tensions remain high, the question of whether the granting of tourist visas is undermining European security has become more pressing. Russian agents, it is feared, may exploit tourist visas to infiltrate European countries for purposes other than travel, including intelligence gathering and sabotage.Czech officials have been particularly vocal on this matter, claiming that allowing wealthy Russian tourists into the EU for leisure undermines the impact of sanctions. They argue that such actions provide a loophole for Russia to bypass international restrictions, enabling the country to gain economic benefits while continuing its military aggression. These concerns reflect the delicate balancing act European nations must perform—welcoming foreign tourists while also safeguarding national security in the context of a protracted war.The Role of Third-Country Hubs in Russian TravelIn order for Russian tourists to reach Europe, they are often relying on third-country hubs, particularly airports in Istanbul and the United Arab Emirates. These locations serve as key transit points for Russian travelers looking to enter Europe, bypassing the restrictions imposed on direct flights from Russia. From these hubs, it is relatively easy for tourists to continue their journey to European destinations.At these airports, Russian visitors are also able to exchange rubles for euros, ensuring they have the necessary currency for their stay in Europe. However, despite these conveniences, Russian bank cards remain largely unusable in Europe due to the continued sanctions, further complicating travel for Russian tourists.The Complexities of Balancing Security and Economic InterestsThe rising number of Russian tourists poses a significant dilemma for European countries, especially those reliant on tourism as a key economic sector. While tourism is a crucial industry for nations like Italy, France, and Spain, the security risks associated with granting Schengen visas to Russian nationals cannot be overlooked. The situation is further complicated by the fact that these countries must also consider the political and diplomatic ramifications of such decisions, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.As European nations continue to navigate this complex issue, the future of Russian tourism remains uncertain. While some countries may prioritize economic gain through the influx of Russian tourists, others may choose to impose stricter visa controls or limit travel from Russia in order to maintain solidarity with Ukraine and uphold the integrity of international sanctions.Despite the ongoing Ukraine crisis, Italy, France, Spain, and other European countries have seen a powerful surge in Russian tourism, driven by a significant rise in Schengen visa issuances and easier access to the Schengen area. This trend highlights Europe’s continued appeal as a travel destination, even amid political tensions.In conclusion, the return of Russian tourists to Europe highlights the tensions between economic interests and national security in the wake of an ongoing conflict. While Italy, France, and Spain are experiencing a rise in Russian visitors, the broader implications of these developments remain uncertain, and it remains to be seen how European nations will balance these competing priorities moving forward.

This information will surprise you!

See also

• Read until the end to discover everything.
• Important information you need to know.
• Interesting facts and helpful tips.

Conclusion

Did you enjoy the news? Keep following us daily!