Slovakia Halts Schengen Tourist Visas for Russians: Who Can Still Enter?.
Temporary Suspension of Schengen Visas for Russian Nationals
According to Espreso.tv: Slovakia has announced a temporary suspension of Schengen tourist visa issuance for citizens of the Russian Federation. From now on, Russians can only apply for visas categorized as 'sports' or for a national Slovak visa. All prior appointments for tourist visa submissions will be canceled starting July 1, 2025. This move aligns with a broader European trend, as several countries reassess their visa policies toward Russian citizens.
Visa Issuance Statistics
In 2025, Slovakia issued 1,149 visas to Russians. For comparison, Italy granted over 161,000 visas, while France issued more than 156,000. Greece also ranked high, approving 59,000 visas. Overall, Russian citizens received 618,806 Schengen visas in 2025, with a rejection rate of 6.4%.
In June 2026, 11 EU member states sent a letter demanding stricter visa restrictions for Russian tourists. Additionally, starting July 15, 2026, the French visa center VFS Global will stop accepting Schengen applications from third parties. Meanwhile, the Spanish visa center BLS has extended processing times to 45 days, and the Italian operator VMS to 60 days. Furthermore, Hungary temporarily suspended Schengen visa applications in Kazan, Samara, and Ufa as of June 29.
These policy shifts reflect growing concerns among European countries about security and regional stability. As Johan Forssell stated:
“I want no more weekend shopping.”
This statement underscores the EU's desire to find effective solutions for controlling the flow of Russian tourists.
The recent changes in Slovakia's visa policy, along with those of other European nations, signal a continued trend toward tightening entry controls for Russian citizens. This likely stems from the political situation and security threats in the region. EU countries are seeking ways to reduce the impact of Russian nationals on their territories, particularly by limiting the issuance of tourist visas.
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