Edith Hejberg
Anti-Putin campaigner Sir William Browder says Europe should only grant visas to Russians who can prove opposition to the Kremlin.
Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russian holidaymakers are flocking to European hotspots. Italy has seen an 18.9% surge in Russian visitors over the past year, while France recorded a 7.8% increase.
The trend comes even as many nations voice concerns about security risks tied to these visits.
Over Half a Million Schengen Visas Issued to Russians
In 2024, EU countries issued more than 552,000 Schengen visas to Russian nationals a 9% rise from the previous year.
The figure raises eyebrows among Ukraine’s diplomats, who warn that the move may ignore the reality of Moscow’s aggression and ongoing cyber operations targeting Europe.
Cyberattacks Against Europe Are on the Rise
According to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Russia-linked cyber and hybrid attacks nearly tripled between 2023 and 2024.
Ukrainian officials argue that the growing influx of Russian tourists should be viewed alongside this surge in hostile activity.
“A Matter of European Security”
Ukraine’s ambassador to the EU, Vsevolod Chentsov, has blasted the trend as “short-sighted.” He warns that allowing Russian citizens unfettered travel access risks undermining Europe’s security while the Kremlin wages war and commits war crimes in Ukraine.
Travel Routes Still Open Despite Airspace Ban
Although EU and UK airspace have been closed to Russian airlines since 2022, Russians are still able to reach popular European destinations via third countries like Turkey, Serbia, and Georgia.
This workaround keeps tourist numbers high.
Calls to Restrict Visas to Putin Opponents Only
Anti-Putin campaigner Sir William Browder says Europe should only grant visas to Russians who can prove opposition to the Kremlin.
He argues that oligarchs and Putin supporters should be barred entirely, given their role in sustaining the regime.
Public Opinion in Russia Shows Cracks
While official polls suggest strong support for Putin’s war, independent research paints a more complex picture.
A June 2025 Levada Centre poll found 64% of Russians favor peace talks, while only 28% want the war to continue.
Czechia Leads the Hardline Approach
The Czech Republic refuses to process any tourist visa applications from Russians and urges other EU countries to follow suit.
Czech officials warn that, at current travel volumes, war criminals could be slipping into European resorts unnoticed.
Fears of Business-as-Usual with Russia
Critics in Ukraine and Eastern Europe fear that rising Russian tourism signals a dangerous return to “normal” relations.
They argue that this undermines the collective Western response to Moscow’s war and sends the wrong message to the Kremlin.
The Debate Over Security vs. Tourism
The EU now faces a divisive question: should it prioritise tourism revenues or tighten security in response to Russian aggression? For Ukraine and its allies?
