How has the pandemic affected the issuance of Schengen visas to Russians?

In Russia, there has been a noticeable change in visa statistics. According to data published on a specialized online resource, Russians submitted 4,133,100 applications for Schengen visas in 2019. However, in 2020, this number sharply decreased to 653,764, a consequence of the closure of embassies and consulates of Schengen zone countries due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. This situation affected not only our country but many others as well, leading to significant reductions in the number of issued Schengen visas, primarily for tourists and business travelers worldwide. For example, while around 17 million foreign citizens wanted to visit the Schengen area in 2019, the number of visas issued in 2020 was only 2,924,365.

Reasons for the decrease in applications

The reason for the sharp decline in applications for Schengen visas was the closure of embassies and consulates of European countries in Russia due to the pandemic. As early as March 2020, before the official recommendations from the European Commission to close borders, many countries began to suspend the operations of their diplomatic missions abroad due to the threat of virus spread. Although some consulates later resumed their activities, opportunities for Russians remained extremely limited, as EU member states were slow to open their borders to citizens of other countries. However, over time, conditions began to ease, and Russians were able to apply for visas if they had important reasons, such as:

• visits to relatives;
• animal care;
• other urgent situations.

Bounce rate

Speaking about the rejection rate for visa applications, it is worth noting that despite an overall decrease in the number of applications by 82.7% worldwide, the rejection rate has also increased. In 2019, the rejection rate was 9.9%, while in 2020, this figure rose to 13.6%. This trend is also observed in Russia, where the rejection rate increased from 1.5% to 2.6%.

Russia on the international stage

Interestingly, Russia continues to be in the leading position in terms of the number of Schengen visa applications submitted. Our country's share of the global market has decreased only slightly, from 24.3% in 2019 to 22.3% in 2020. China held the second place in terms of applications in 2019, but was displaced by Turkey with 229,282 applications in 2020. China, on the other hand, was in third place with 206,907 applications.

The situation with visas at the Finnish consulate

Despite the current global situation, the Finnish consulate in St. Petersburg remains the busiest. In 2020, it recorded the highest number of Schengen visa applications. While the consulate processed 644,858 applications in 2019, this number dropped sevenfold in 2020, totaling 97,026.

Conclusion

Thus, in the context of the pandemic, when international travel has become less accessible, Russia has managed to maintain its status as the country with the highest number of applications for Schengen visas. This highlights the Russians' desire to travel, despite the existing difficulties and restrictions.

Last year, the Italian consulate in Moscow ranked second in popularity among Russian citizens, receiving 84,921 applications, while the French embassy took third place with 73,453 requests. After a long closure of borders, the European Union is beginning to restore travel opportunities for tourists from various countries, including Russia, to prevent a repeat of the economic losses that occurred during the summer season of 2020, which amounted to billions of euros.

Opening of borders for Russian tourists

Some EU countries, such as Greece, have already opened their borders to Russian tourists if they can provide proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test, or confirmation of having recovered from COVID-19.

Iceland and vaccination

Iceland, although not a member of the EU, has also allowed entry for those who have been fully vaccinated with vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). However, it is important to emphasize that the vaccineSputnik Vis not currently on the approved list.

Recommendations of the European Union

The European Union has recommended its members to open borders for all vaccinated against COVID-19, using any approved vaccines. However, the final decision on entry remains with each individual country, allowing them to set their own rules regarding vaccines that are not on the EMA list.

Resumption of visa centers

On the other hand, in a number of Schengen Zone countries, visa centers in Russia have resumed operations. In particular, Italy has decided to extend the validity of visas for Russians whose visas expired after January 1, 2020.

Schengen visa issuance activity

What is interesting is that in 2020, the highest number of Schengen visas was issued to Russians by the following countries:

• Finland - 118,238 visas
• Italy - 89,227 visas
• France - 74,086 visas
• Germany - 67,093 visas
• Spain - 56,038 visas
• Czech Republic - 46,282 visas
• Greece - 39,273 visas
• Poland - 24,415 visas
• Estonia - 21,910 visas
• Latvia - 17,708 visas

Unfortunate cases

Remarkably "less friendly" were Iceland and Luxembourg, issuing only 436 and 605 visas respectively for the whole year. Germany tops the list in terms of visa refusals, rejecting 2,776 applications; Greece comes second with 2,476 refusals and France third with 2,417 refusals. Meanwhile, Finland, while ranking first in visas issued, ranks only sixth in denials, rejecting 1,307 applications out of 119,545 submitted.

Issues with visas and COVID-19

Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the process of obtaining Schengen visas is still suspended, especially in Finland. In this context, it becomes crucial to address who and how can confirm their eligibility for entry into Europe under the new realities.

New opportunities for travel

Thus, Russians may encounter new opportunities for travel to Schengen countries; however, they need to closely monitor the current conditions and requirements for trips, which may change depending on the pandemic situation and government decisions.

Entering Finland

Entry into Finland is open for certain categories of citizens. These include individuals holding diplomatic or service passports, drivers operating international routes, as well as spouses and close relatives of Finnish citizens.

This also applies to the families of citizens from European Union countries and the Schengen Area who are already living in Finland. Additionally, the families of third-country nationals with residence permits in Finland have the right to enter; this includes their spouses, children, parents, as well as grandparents.

A key requirement for entry is the presence of compelling reasons for crossing the border, related to personal or family circumstances. Property owners in the country and workers engaged in seasonal labor activities are also allowed entry.

Currently, Finland is developing a plan for the gradual reopening of its borders. There is a possibility that business trips may become possible as early as August. However, the timeline for the reopening of mass tourism is still uncertain.

You can follow the latest news on the official website of the Finnish Embassy.

Trips to Italy

Moving on to Italy, since May 2021, the doors have opened for tourists here.

Entry into Germany

Entry into Germany is possible for various categories of citizens. These include:

• seasonal workers;
• Health care workers traveling to the country;
• international drivers and sailors;
• family members and partners of German citizens;
• citizens of European Union countries;
• citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland;
• citizens of third countries with the right to reside in Germany.

This also includes diplomats, representatives of international organizations and humanitarian missions, military personnel, transit passengers, and individuals in need of international protection or emergency medical assistance. Those awaiting family reunification are also included in the permitted category.

Other categories of individuals with the right to enter.

Among the travelers who are allowed to cross the border are:

• highly qualified specialists who have received an invitation to work;
• self-employed
• students enrolled in long-term language courses;
• schoolchildren and exchange program participants;
• volunteers.

Special conditions for entry

Additionally, entry may be granted for important personal reasons, especially for those who previously held a Schengen visa issued by Germany for a period of at least two years. It is important to note that such a visa should not be a tourist visa, and its validity must expire after April 1, 2020.

However, starting from June 25, a mandatory two-week quarantine will be imposed on people arriving from Russia, which cannot be shortened even with a negative COVID-19 test or a vaccination certificate.

Currently, there is no information available for tourists, but updated data can be found on the official website of the German representation in Russia.

Entering Spain

As for Spain, since May 12, the official visa center accredited by the Spanish government and consulate has resumed operations in Moscow. It has started issuing Schengen visas of category C.

Starting June 1, Russians holding Schengen visas valid for two, three, or five years (codes EL and EXM) will be eligible to submit applications, as well as relatives of citizens of Spain and EU countries who are on Spanish territory, and property owners in the country.

Since June 7, Spain has opened its doors to vaccinated tourists from non-EU countries. You can find complete information on the website of the Spanish consulate.

The situation in the Czech Republic

As for the Czech Republic, air communication with Russia has been restored since March. However, applications for Schengen visas for tourists have not yet been processed.

Since June 7, 2021, the consular section of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Moscow has resumed its operations, but only for issuing visas for temporary and permanent residence.

Options for applying for a visa to the Czech Republic

As of today, the opportunity to apply for a visa to the Czech Republic is limited to certain groups of citizens. These categories include tourists who arrive in the country for the purpose of obtaining education, participating in cultural events, or taking part in sports competitions.

Blue card holders and researchers also have the right to apply, and they can do so along with their families, but their stay is limited.90 days.

Permission for family reunification can be obtained by those who have already received consent from citizens of the Czech Republic or individuals with residence permits in its territory. In addition, individuals included in special state programs actively supported by the Czech Republic for promoting economic and social development have the right to apply for a visa.

You can find all kinds of relevant information on the website of the Czech embassy.

Changes in entry regulations to Greece

As for the situation in Greece, withMay 14Significant changes have occurred in the entry rules for foreign citizens in this country. Currently, tourists are no longer required to follow quarantine measures, and vaccination certificates issued under the "Sputnik V" program are accepted in Greece.

However, withJune 30.New conditions are being introduced. Now all Russians arriving in Greece must have a negative PCR test result for COVID-19 or a rapid test result, regardless of whether they are vaccinated or not.

Moreover, at the border, Russians will undergo additional testing using PCR or rapid methods. For the latest information, it is advisable to visit the consulate's website or a special government website dedicated to travel.

The situation in Poland

Poland, for its part, is still in no hurry to open its borders to tourists. Although the country's visa and service centers have resumed operations almost in full, applications for a visa can currently only be submitted for obtaining a National visa type.D.

At the same time, a Schengen visa typeCavailable only to a limited number of categories of citizens, including:

• truckers,
• family members of Polish citizens,
• owners of residence permits,
• citizens of the European Union residing in Poland.

For the latest news, it is worth visiting the official website of the Polish visa center.

New entry conditions for Estonia

Estonia has also resumed air communication with Russia.April 25, 2023. WithJune 21.The entry conditions for citizens from third countries, including Russians, have been significantly expanded.

Now, citizens of third countries can visit Estonia for tourism, sports, or cultural events only if they are vaccinated against COVID-19 and show no symptoms of the disease. It is important to understand that enough time must have passed since vaccination for effective protection to be established.

To stay updated with the latest news and information, it is necessary to follow the website of the Estonian embassy and the official resource related to COVID-19.

The situation in Latvia

Latvia also started air service with Russia in March, but this did not affect tourists, as restrictions for them are still in place. The imposed restrictions and exemptions on entry emphasize the realities of our times and create certain difficulties for planning trips to countries such as:

• Czech Republic,
• Greece,
• Poland,
• Estonia,
• Latvia.

Information about the rules and conditions for entry is constantly being updated, so it's important for potential tourists to stay informed and be prepared for changes at any moment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be confidently stated that the coronavirus pandemic has significantly impacted visa statistics in Russia and around the world. Despite a sharp decline in the number of Schengen visa applications in 2020 compared to 2019, Russia still remains a leading country in this regard. This crisis has posed a real challenge for everyone planning trips for both tourism and business. The pandemic has made its adjustments, both in the number of visas and in the rules for obtaining them.

Author's observations

As the author of this material, I have observed how the closure of consulates and embassies has had a huge impact on the ability to travel and the hopes of travelers. However, despite the restrictions, some countries have started to ease their requirements and open their doors to vaccinated travelers, marking a new phase in the recovery of the tourism industry.

The future of international travel

It is important to note that we have a lot of work ahead of us to bring the number of issued Schengen visas back to the level of 2019. This is impossible without establishing clear operations in the consulates and implementing flexible measures that correspond to the realities. It is also crucial to see how European countries will respond to the need to support incoming travelers in order to avoid losing billions of euros in the event of border closures.

Hopes for a return to normal conditions

As a traveler, I hope that normal conditions for international travel will soon be restored so that everyone can enjoy the freedom of movement and new cultural experiences. We are looking forward to the opportunity to explore the wonderful corners of Europe again and meet new people.

Positive changes

The pandemic has left its mark, but positive changes have begun to take place and I look forward to traveling again, finding inspiration in new countries and cultures.