Report: Russian Schengen Visa Issuance Surged in 2024, Shifting to Single-Entry Permits

A new report released on May 7, 2026, reveals that Russian authorities significantly ramped up Schengen visa issuance in 2024, with a notable pivot toward single-entry permits amid evolving EU-Russia diplomatic tensions. For those seeking a Schengen visa from USA, this trend underscores the importance of monitoring bilateral policies, as Russian consulates processed over 1.2 million visas last year—up 25% from 2023—while multi-entry approvals dropped by 40%. Experts attribute the surge to heightened travel demand from Russian citizens seeking short-term European visits. The shift to single-entry Schengen visas reflects stricter EU scrutiny, limiting repeat access for many applicants. Data from the Schengen Visa Information System (SVIS) shows single-entry permits now comprising 70% of issuances, compared to 45% in prior years. This change impacts global mobility, including for those pursuing a Schengen visa from USA hubs like New York or Los Angeles, where Russian diplomatic missions handle a growing volume of hybrid applications from dual nationals. Looking ahead, analysts predict stabilization in 2025-2026 issuance rates, but advise applicants to prepare robust documentation for single-entry requests. The report, compiled by the European Visa Alliance, calls for streamlined processes to balance security and tourism recovery across the 27-nation bloc.