Demand for Schengen visas among Russians is surging as summer approaches.

Here are the main points:

• There has been a significant increase in the number of Russians seeking Schengen visas.
• Many Russians intend to vacation in the Schengen Area during the spring and summer.
• The most sought-after Schengen visas among Russians are for Italy, France, and Spain.

The surge in interest among Russians for Schengen visas has become apparent, as many are now planning trips to the Schengen Area in the near future. Although specific application numbers have not been disclosed yet, data indicates a greater proportion of Russian nationals aiming to visit and spend holidays in the Schengen Area compared to last year.

Several factors contribute to this heightened interest. Lower airfare costs and increased adaptability to longer flights with layovers, given limited direct transportation to the bloc, are among the reasons. Furthermore, relaxed visa rules by some member states for Russian applicants have also fueled the trend.

The upcoming May holidays are expected to witness the first wave of Russian tourists visiting the bloc, with a subsequent influx anticipated during the summer holidays. While Russians can apply for Schengen visas in various member states, there's a preference for Italy, France, and Spain. These countries are favored due to perceived favorable visa conditions and a reputation for being accommodating to Russian tourists.

Tour operators in Russia are anticipating a significant surge in interest among Russians for traveling to the EU this year. They expect a considerable increase in the number of visa applications compared to 2023.

According to travel agencies in Russia, some Russians are opting for combined tours to the Schengen Area. This is because certain member states are issuing single-entry visas, which become invalid once the holder exits the Schengen Area. To overcome this limitation, Russians are arranging tours that allow them to visit multiple Schengen countries during a single stay.

Tour operators have observed that popular combinations for combined tours include Spain-France, France-Italy, Germany-Italy, and France-Italy-Switzerland. Greece and Portugal remain preferred destinations, while Cyprus and Hungary are gaining popularity this year.

To avoid inconvenience, Russian passport holders are advised to apply for a Schengen visa well in advance. Tour operators recommend submitting visa applications at least two months before the intended travel dates to the Schengen Area.