Published: 14.09.2026
When issuing short-stay Schengen visas to Russian citizens, German consulates are applying closer scrutiny to the likelihood that applicants will return, especially for applicants of conscription age. Since November 2025, Germany has in practice issued Russians mainly single-entry visas limited to the planned travel period, with decisions based on the circumstances of each case.
According to sources, Russian applicants of conscription age face greater scrutiny of their personal, economic, social and family ties outside Germany and the Schengen area. This raises the documentation burden for short-stay visa applications and makes travel plans less predictable where consular officials consider the applicant unlikely to return. The development primarily affects tourists, visitors and other Schengen applicants rather than people applying for a long-term move on an independent legal basis. Anyone planning a trip should factor this practice into document preparation and application timing.