Greece Significantly Increases Schengen Visa Denials for Russian Travelers Amid EU Policy Shifts

Greek authorities have markedly increased the rate of Schengen visa refusals for Russian citizens, raising concerns among Russian tour operators and travelers regarding access to the European Union amid evolving geopolitical and regulatory landscapes.

Escalation of Visa Denials and Market Implications

According to data from the Association of Russian Tour Operators (ATOR), visa refusal rates for Russian clients seeking Greek Schengen visas have surged, with some tour operators experiencing denial rates reaching 50% during peak season. Independent Russian tourists face even higher rejection rates, reportedly nearing 70%.

These refusals have occurred despite travelers having fully paid trips and verified accommodations through Greek host companies. Notably, cases include applicants with strong ties to Russia, such as confirmed property ownership and flawless banking documentation, who still received repeated denials.

"Direct refusals in such volume have not been observed before," noted a representative from a Russian travel company, expressing uncertainty about the underlying causes.

Official statistics reveal that in 2025, Greece issued approximately 59,000 visas to Russian citizens, with 41.6% of these being multiple-entry visas. However, refusal rates stood at 11.2%, significantly higher than the Schengen average of 6.4%. This increase signals a tightening of Greece's entry policies against the backdrop of broader EU security concerns.

Broader EU Visa Trends and Regulatory Impact

In 2025, Russian nationals obtained over 620,000 Schengen visas, marking a 10% increase from the previous year, alongside an 8.42% rise in visa applications. Despite this growth, the proportion of multiple-entry visas granted plummeted from 57% to 12% within two months following the European Commission’s November 2025 decision to tighten visa issuance rules to Russia.

Nearly 75% of visa applications from Russia were directed to France, Italy, and Spain, which collectively issued 68% of all Russian Schengen visas. France notably increased its visa issuance by nearly 30% compared to 2024, issuing around 173,000 visas, while Italy and Spain maintained or slightly reduced their numbers.

The European Commission's new policy, implemented to mitigate security risks linked to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, prohibits the issuance of multiple-entry visas to Russian citizens. This shift forces travelers to submit more frequent visa applications, fundamentally altering travel behaviors and increasing administrative burdens on both applicants and visa-processing bodies.

Business and Strategic Considerations

For travel companies operating in the Russian market, these developments present significant challenges. The rise in visa denials and the elimination of multiple-entry visas disrupt traditional travel patterns and reduce consumer confidence, potentially diminishing the Russian outbound tourism segment.

Strategically, Greek and broader European tourism sectors must navigate these regulatory constraints while balancing security imperatives with the economic benefits of Russian visitors. Executives and boards overseeing travel and hospitality businesses will need to reassess market forecasts, adapt to fluctuating demand, and engage with policymakers to address evolving visa frameworks.

Moreover, these visa restrictions may accelerate diversification strategies among Russian travelers seeking alternative destinations outside the EU, compelling companies to innovate and expand their geographic focus.