Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Spain is introducing a significant change for Russian citizens who wish to transit through its airports. Starting July 12, 2025, Russians holding ordinary passports will be required to have a valid airport transit visa (TAP) to pass through the international zones of Spanish airports.
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that this new policy will take effect on the specified date, making the TAP visa mandatory for all Russians transiting through Spanish airports. Those without the required visa will not be permitted to board connecting flights through Spain.
Russians who possess ordinary passports and wish to transit through Spain must adhere to this new regulation. As a result, anyone traveling from one country to another through Spanish airports will need the necessary airport transit visa, unless they meet one of the exemptions outlined below.
Exemptions to the New Rule
Not all Russian citizens will be impacted by this new requirement. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that the airport transit visa will not be mandatory for Russians holding specific types of travel documents, including:
- Those who hold a valid Schengen visa or any other type of visa issued by a Schengen Area country.
- Russian nationals with a residence permit issued by any EU/EEA member state.
- Diplomatic passport holders from Russia.
Therefore, Russians with these documents will not be required to obtain a TAP visa to transit through Spanish airports.
Transit Time Limitations
Under the current regulations, Russians applying for an airport transit visa to pass through Spanish airports must ensure their transit time does not exceed 24 hours. This rule is critical, as anyone exceeding this duration will need to apply for a different type of visa.
The airport transit visa is intended only for those who are simply passing through the international transit zones of the airport. It is not meant for travelers who intend to leave the airport or remain in Spain for extended periods.
Visa Application Process for Russian Nationals
To obtain an airport transit visa, Russians must complete a straightforward application process. The following steps are necessary for approval:
- Visa Application Form – Applicants must fill out the official application form accurately.
- Recent Passport-Size Photograph – A clear, recent photo is required.
- Passport Pages – Submit the passport pages containing biometric data.
- Onward Travel Proof – A document proving the applicant’s onward travel from Spain.
- Proof of Residence – A document verifying the applicant’s legal residence in their country of origin.
- Consular Fee – A mandatory fee must be paid when submitting the visa application.
After submission, Spain generally reviews airport transit visa applications within 15 calendar days. However, if additional documentation is required, processing may take up to 45 days. It is essential to apply well in advance of the intended travel date.
Comparisons with Other Schengen States
Spain is not alone in introducing new visa requirements for Russians. Czechia has already implemented a similar airport transit visa rule. Furthermore, several other Schengen countries have completely halted the issuance of Schengen visas for Russian citizens due to political and security reasons.
These changes are part of a broader shift in Schengen visa policies affecting Russia and other non-EU countries. As EU member states continue to tighten their visa policies, Russians have encountered increasing hurdles when attempting to travel through or within the Schengen Area.
The Impact of the Visa Requirement on Russian Travelers
In 2024, Russians were among the top Schengen visa applicants, particularly for travel through Spain. The new airport transit visa requirement will likely affect many travelers who were previously able to transit through Spain without issue.
With this change, Russian nationals seeking to travel to Europe or elsewhere will need to adjust their travel plans, factoring in the extra time and cost of obtaining an airport transit visa. The implications of this policy may also extend to travel agents, airlines, and other stakeholders who serve Russian travelers transiting through Spain.
Similar Developments Across Schengen Member States
Other Schengen countries have also been revising their visa policies in response to the ongoing geopolitical situation. As part of the EU’s coordinated approach to manage migration, security, and diplomatic relations, several other countries have introduced similar restrictions. This includes halting the issuance of Schengen visas for Russian citizens or requiring more stringent documentation for visa applications.
For example, countries like Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia have already stopped issuing visas to Russians or have significantly reduced the number of visas granted. This trend reflects the broader changes in the Schengen Area aimed at ensuring security and limiting the movement of individuals from countries subject to EU sanctions.
The Broader Context of Visa Policies in the EU
The introduction of the airport transit visa for Russians is part of a larger trend of tightening Schengen visa policies across Europe. This shift is being driven by a variety of factors, including security concerns, migration management, and political considerations.
For EU member states, the Schengen visa is a tool used to regulate tourism, migration, and border security. While tourism remains a key driver of the Schengen visa system, European countries are also concerned about security risks and the need to control migration flows. As a result, several countries have introduced new visa requirements, additional vetting procedures, and restrictions aimed at safeguarding their borders and maintaining political stability.
Conclusion: What Russian Travelers Should Know
For Russian nationals planning to transit through Spain after July 12, 2025, it is crucial to be aware of the new airport transit visa requirement. Travelers must ensure they meet the necessary documentation requirements, apply for the TAP visa well in advance, and consider the 24-hour transit limit.
While the new rules represent a significant shift in Spain’s visa policy, Russians with valid Schengen visas or residence permits from other EU/EEA member states will not be affected by the new requirement. Additionally, diplomatic passport holders are also exempt.
As Schengen countries continue to adjust their visa policies, Russian travelers will need to stay informed about any further changes that could impact their travel plans. It is also advisable to consult with travel agencies, airlines, or consular services for up-to-date guidance on the Schengen visa process and Spain’s specific requirements.
