Russian Tourists to Italy Get Faster Visas as EU Debates Stricter Schengen Rules

Italy has shortened the time it takes to process tourist visa applications from Russian citizens, cutting the wait from 60 days to 45 days, the country's visa service announced on its website. The service advised applicants to factor the updated processing times into their trip planning.

Key facts

• What changed: tourist visa processing for Russians drops from 60 to 45 days
• Who it affects: Russian nationals applying for an Italian tourist visa
• Announced by: Italy's visa service, on its website
• Start date: not specified in the announcement
• Background: EU Schengen states issued 477,878 tourist visas to Russians in 2025, a record high

What is changing?

Italy's visa service said the processing time for tourist visa applications from Russian nationals has been reduced from 60 to 45 days. The service urged applicants to "take these updated processing times into account when planning their trip." No further details on eligibility, fees or an effective date were given.

Who processes the most Russian visas?

EU Schengen countries issued 477,878 tourist visas to Russian citizens in 2025, a record high, with most issued by Greece, Italy, France and Spain, Radio Liberty reported. Russian state media RIA Novosti, citing data from the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), said Italy issued about 160,000 of those visas.

Why is this happening now?

The change comes as the European Union considers visa restrictions covering all Russian nationals, driven by concerns over Russian hybrid attacks. Under the proposals, Schengen tourist visa rules for Russian tourists would be tightened and Russian ex-combatants would be barred from entry.

Options currently under consideration include limiting Russian travellers to the country that issued their visa, overriding the Schengen area's usual freedom of movement, and setting quotas on visas issued to Russian citizens.

Where do EU members stand?

Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne, citing unnamed EU diplomats, reported that France has softened its earlier opposition to restrictions while Italy remains firmly against a ban. One diplomat said Italy and others cite people-to-people ties with Russians that should be preserved, but that the objections are ultimately about money.

Paris and Rome previously blocked the bloc's proposed ban in July, resulting in a narrower version that limits the measure to short-stay visas and applies only to people directly taking part in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

What this means for travellers

Russian citizens applying for an Italian tourist visa should allow up to 45 days for processing and plan their trips around that timeline. Since EU-wide restrictions are still only proposals, travellers should watch for further decisions on quotas, country-only travel limits and any change affecting ex-combatants before booking.