How Italy Issues Visas to Russians: Restrictions and New Developments

Italian visa centers in Russia changed their document submission procedures in May and stopped accepting applications through intermediaries, requiring applicants to submit documents in person. Reports to this effect appeared in industry media outlets. Market experts warned of possible lengthy processing delays and weaker summer demand, but later in the month the Italian Embassy denied that any restrictions had been tightened. At the same time, other changes are being introduced starting June 1.

ATOR: Italian Visas Require Personal Submission

The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) reported that from May 12, the VMS and AlmavivA centers stopped accepting Italian visa applications through third parties. Agents, couriers, notaries, and lawyers can no longer submit documents on behalf of applicants. Applications must be submitted in person.

As a result, the cost of intermediary services briefly surged to as much as RUB 100,000 ($1,408) in early May before such offers quickly became irrelevant.

ATOR experts noted that the main risk is longer waiting times for appointments. For applicants from Moscow and the Moscow Region, the nearest available slots could shift to late June, while tourists from other regions might have to wait until July. Processing times could eventually increase to up to two months, while the entire process—from booking an appointment to receiving a passport—could take as long as four months. Stricter document checks are also possible.

The reported tightening of procedures was linked to a visa scandal in Uzbekistan. A former Italian ambassador was arrested over the illegal issuance of Schengen visas to Russian citizens. According to reports, applications were coordinated through Moscow-based companies Happy Travel, Visa4you, and Park Lane. At least 95 Russian citizens allegedly obtained visas through the scheme.

RST: Summer Demand for Italy Could Slow

Mikhail Abasov, CEO of VCP Travel and an expert at the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST), also pointed to problems with available appointment slots and warned that visa processing times could increase to three or four months. This could affect the behavior of some travelers, particularly spontaneous tourists and those visiting Italy for the first time. Demand for Italy during the summer season may decline, although only slightly.

He stressed that travel costs are unlikely to increase directly as a result of the changes, since consular and service fees remain unchanged. Any increase in package prices would be driven by indirect factors, such as processing delays and tour package adjustments.

Abasov also noted that tour operators may factor these risks into their summer programs, potentially increasing package prices by 3–5% compared to last year. He added that the use of intermediary schemes harms legitimate applicants and could encourage the European Union to introduce even stricter visa procedures.

Italian Embassy: Visa Application Procedures Have Not Changed

The Italian Embassy in Moscow denied reports that new restrictions had been introduced for Russian applicants seeking Schengen visas, according to TASS.

Embassy officials stated that the procedure for reviewing visa applications at the Italian Consulates General in Moscow and St. Petersburg remains unchanged and continues to be available on their official websites.

The embassy further clarified that reports claiming applicants must now submit documents exclusively in person without any involvement of intermediaries were inaccurate. However, difficulties with appointments and visa processing in Russia remain. At the same time, certain modernization measures that had been discussed as early as March are moving forward.

Electronic Visa Processing for Russian Applicants

Roberto d’Agostino, Italy’s Honorary Consul in Yekaterinburg, announced that an electronic format for visa document processing would be introduced for Russian citizens from June 1.

He explained that Italy intends to remain competitive in attracting Russian tourists, many of whom have increasingly chosen alternative destinations because of bureaucratic hurdles. The new format is expected to speed up the issuance of travel documents and simplify parts of the application process.

D’Agostino emphasized that the change does not eliminate the requirement to submit documents through visa centers and consular authorities. However, it should streamline document handling and reduce processing times. He also acknowledged that access to visa centers remains difficult and that appointment waiting times can extend for several months.

Conclusion

Analysts at International Investment note that obtaining a Schengen visa has become a more complex and time-consuming process for Russian citizens since sanctions were introduced. Any changes in the operations of consulates and visa centers quickly affect the market, while reports of new requirements often generate significant reactions among travelers and tourism industry participants.

A key challenge remains the limited capacity of the existing infrastructure. A shortage of available appointment slots, long queues, and extended processing times can influence travel demand just as much as formal restrictions.

For many travelers, visa processing speed is a critical factor when choosing a destination, making the digitalization of visa procedures a logical step. If the new electronic tools genuinely accelerate application processing and reduce pressure on visa centers, Italy could become more accessible to Russian tourists. Much, however, will depend on future political decisions.

Interest in travel to Europe among Russian citizens is gradually recovering, as reflected in the growing number of Schengen visas being issued. Although current figures remain far below pre-2022 levels, the trend has attracted attention within the European Union. In several countries, proposals have already been made to further tighten visa rules for Russian citizens.