Schengen Visa allows travel across most European countries without repeated passport checks. It is a short-term permit required for Russian citizens and others outside the EU for trips up to 90 days within any 180-day period. With a single Schengen visa, you may visit multiple Schengen states on one journey – for example, start in France, then continue through Italy and Spain without additional visas. A category C visa (short-stay Schengen) can be used for various purposes: tourism, business meetings, family visits, short-term study, and other non-immigrant purposes.
Obtaining a Schengen visa in 2025 comes with new challenges. Due to political decisions and security measures, some Schengen countries temporarily do not admit tourists from Russia – for example, since May 2024 Norway has banned Russian tourists, and entry from Russia is also closed in Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Finland, Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Estonia. Many consulates have tightened requirements: for business visas you now need more detailed justification of your trip, and family visits are allowed only in exceptional cases (e.g., serious illness or a close relative’s funeral). Nonetheless, several popular countries (including France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and others) continue issuing visas to Russians and receiving them upon arrival. In 2024, Russians obtained around 565,000 Schengen visas — 25% more than the previous year, while refusal rates fell to about 7.5% (compared to ~10.6% in 2023). This indicates a gradual restoration of travel opportunities, although each application is now reviewed more strictly.
Navigating these ever-changing rules is not easy. It is crucial to choose the correct country of application (you should apply via the consulate of the country where you plan to spend most of your trip) and prepare a full document package according to the current consular requirements. Note: the final visa decision rests with the consulate, so no agency can guarantee 100% approval. In 2023, about 10% of Russian applicants were refused — often due to paperwork errors or insufficient trip justification. Our goal is to help you avoid such issues and maximize your chances of success.
Types of Schengen Visas
Within the short-stay Schengen visas (category C) there are several types depending on trip purpose. Our agency assists in obtaining the main Schengen visa types:
- Tourist Visa. For travel with tourist purposes (vacation, sightseeing). Allows up to 90 days in the Schengen Area within any 180-day period.
- Business Visa. For short-term work trips: conferences, negotiations, business meetings. Also usually valid up to 90 days; requires proof of purpose (invitation letter, event program, etc.).
- Student Visa. For studies shorter than 3 months: language courses, short educational programs, internships. Permits up to 90 days for study in Schengen countries.
- Family (Private) Visa. For visiting relatives or friends residing in the Schengen Area. Allows a short private visit (up to 90 days) with an invitation from the host.
All of these are Uniform Schengen Visas – meaning you may travel freely across the entire Schengen Area on the same visa. If you need another visa type (e.g., medical, transit, or long-stay national D-category), our specialists can also advise on those procedures.
Benefits of Working with Us
Our agency offers a full range of Schengen visa services. Why clients trust us with their visa support:
- Personal manager for each client. You will be assigned a dedicated manager who handles your case from first consultation to visa issuance.
- 20+ years of experience and thousands of visas approved. We have been working successfully since the early 2000s, gaining extensive experience with various consulates.
- Up-to-date embassy information. We promptly track rule changes and document requirements (e.g., new restrictions or additional papers) and incorporate them into your application.
- Handling complex cases and refusals. We take on difficult situations: reapplying after previous refusals, correcting past mistakes, drafting explanatory letters. If you’ve been refused before, we analyze the causes and submit a fresh application.
- Professional application preparation. We expertly complete all visa forms, prepare document translations, and arrange insurance and travel reservations. Your file will be perfect from the start.
- Confidentiality and secure communication. We guarantee full confidentiality of your data. All documents are transmitted via secure channels, and consultations happen over protected lines.
- Support at every step. We guide you through every phase – from initial eligibility assessment and document collection to biometric appointment scheduling and passport tracking. You can contact us with any questions throughout the process.
Submit Your Application Now
Don’t leave visa processing to the last minute. Travel experts note that getting a visa becomes harder closer to peak season due to consulate backlogs. We recommend sending us your inquiry early. Contact us by phone or via the online form — your personal manager will promptly assess your situation, answer all questions, and start preparing your documents. With our support, obtaining your Schengen visa will be straightforward and secure, and you’ll receive your passport with the long-awaited visa without delays!
