Top 10 Visa Destinations in 2024

In 2024, outbound travel from Russia increased by 13%, according to Kommersant. Demand for both tourist and business visas among Russian citizens has surged, particularly for Japan and China. Meanwhile, the growth in European destinations has been moderate due to stricter Schengen requirements, and there has been a notable decline in demand for U.S. visas.

Record Growth in Asia

According to the business travel agency Continent Express, visa applications for Japan increased by 2.7 times in 2024 compared to 2023, while applications for China rose by 37%. These were the largest increases among all destinations. Aeroclub reported a similar 2.7-fold growth in Japanese visa applications and nearly doubled demand for Chinese visas. Applications for Chinese visas exceeded Schengen visa requests by 3.5 times, noted Aeroclub Managing Director Yulia Lipatova. Trivio Executive Director Tatyana Lenshina added that overall demand for international visas grew by 90% compared to the previous year.

According to MTS Travel, Russians traveled abroad 13% more in 2024 than in 2023. Vietnam saw the highest growth in travel demand (2.8 times), followed by Mauritius (2.2 times), China (2.1 times), Morocco (+81%), and Japan (+80%). Continent Express Deputy Director Yulia Otvagina reported that international business travel increased by 26% in 2024.

Changes in visa preferences reflect economic and geopolitical trends, as Russia adjusts its partnerships. The availability of direct flights and simplified visa procedures also play key roles. Japan, for instance, eliminated the requirement for a prepaid hotel booking, making visa processing easier. Chinese visa applications are also quick and straightforward for most applicants.

Schengen and Africa

Schengen visa applications, on the other hand, faced challenges. According to Yulia Lipatova, slot availability for document submission was limited during spring and fall, and new requirements were introduced. These include providing a 10-year work history, receipts for hotel and flight payments, and proof of ties to Russia for unemployed applicants. As a result, Schengen visa demand grew modestly by 20%, according to Continent Express.

Aeroclub reported an 8% decline in applications, although the number of Russian trips to European countries grew by 7%, according to MTS Travel. France saw a 19% increase in visits, Italy 11%, and Spain 9%. Together, these three countries accounted for 33% of Russian outbound tourism to Europe.

Daria Zubritskaya, Marketing Director at Raketa, noted that Russians most frequently applied for Schengen visas at consulates in Belgium, Hungary, France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal. Interest in Italian visas dropped threefold due to lengthy processing times.

Aeroclub also highlighted Saudi Arabia as an emerging destination, with visa demand up 58%, followed by India (+36%) and the UK (+28%). Interest in African countries more than doubled in 2024, with Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Congo, South Africa, Nigeria, and Libya among the most popular. Meanwhile, U.S. visa demand dropped by 12%, although the number of trips to the U.S. remained stable, according to MTS Travel.

Chinese Visa-Free Transit

The Russian Association of Tour Operators reported that travel to China is possible without a visa for transit passengers. Since December 17, China extended its visa-free transit period from 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days), providing an excellent opportunity to explore the country. The number of visa-free entry points also increased from 39 to 60.

Russian travelers often use Chinese airports as transit hubs to destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore, with Shanghai and Beijing being the most popular stopover cities. Guangzhou serves as a hub for Indonesia and Vietnam, while Chengdu is a gateway to Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Travelers are advised to check current regulations with airlines and airports, as leaving the terminal may still require a transit visa in some cases.

According to the Russian Union of the Travel Industry (RUTI), outbound travel from Russia increased by 23.2% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Vietnam (+936 times), Georgia (+447.8%), and China (+426.6%) showed the highest growth rates.

2025 Forecasts

Yulia Otvagina of Continent Express predicts that after rapid growth, demand for Chinese visas in 2025 will stabilize with only slight increases. More travelers are expected to take advantage of visa-free transit. Meanwhile, demand for Schengen visas may decrease, though Trivio’s Tatyana Lenshina anticipates higher interest in EU visas. Daria Zubritskaya from Raketa forecasts a 20–30% increase in demand for Chinese visas, 15–20% growth for Schengen visas, and 7–10% for Indian visas.

Experts foresee stricter rules for entering the Schengen zone, including the long-awaited implementation of the automated Entry/Exit System (EES) in 2025. Initially planned for November 2024, its launch was delayed as some EU states were not ready. New tourist taxes and increased fees are also expected, particularly in Madeira, Evora (Portugal), Venice, Greece, and the UK.