In 2023, Russian Citizens Preferred Applying for Visas to China, France, and Italy

In 2023, seven out of the ten most sought-after business visas by Russian citizens are visas issued by European Union countries. According to a report from the Russian Aeroclub business tourism agency, Chinese business visas were the most sought-after, followed by French and Italian visas. The top ten visas for which Russians applied most in 2023 are China, France, Italy, India, Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, Guinea, Spain, and Hungary.

The most popular visa among business representatives in 2023 was a visa to China, with a share of 58 percent of the total number of visas. France followed in second place with a share of ten percent, and Italy in third place. On the other hand, Greece, Hungary, and Spain issued the highest rate of visas compared to the number of applications they received in 2023.

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The Schengen Area countries which issued the highest rate of visas compared to the number of applications they received in 2023 were Greece, Hungary, and Spain. These countries usually issue single-entry visas for the duration of the intended trip, and Spain often grants Russian business persons with multiple-entry visas with longer validity. The visa processing period is from 15 to 45 working days, and the cost of the visa is approximately €100.

Spain had become a haven for Russian tourists in June 2023, after many EU Member States introduced entry restrictions due to the invasion of Ukraine. According to Schengen Visa statistics, one-fourth of visas obtained by Russian passport holders in 2022 were issued by the Spanish authorities, making Spain a popular destination for Russian travelers. Other countries in the Schengen zone issuing a high number of visas to Russians in 2022 were Finland, Italy, Greece, France, Germany, and Hungary.

At the time, the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) had advised Russian citizens to apply for Schengen visas at the consular authorities of Hungary, Greece, and Italy in Russia, calling these countries their best shots for getting a Schengen visa. With the influx of Russian travelers to Europe, these Schengen countries remain popular places for business and tourism.