Starting July 12, 2025, Russian citizens will no longer be able to transit through Spanish airports without a visa, even if they remain within the international transit zone.
The Spanish Foreign Ministry announced that all holders of ordinary Russian passports must now apply for an airport transit visa (ATV)to change planes in Spain.
This move aligns Spain with countries like the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic, which have already cancelled visa-free airport transit for Russian travellers. These measures are part of a broader European Union effort to reduce illegal migration and tighten entry requirements for Russian nationals amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Spain has framed its decision as a security and migration control measure, coordinated under the EU.
Russian travellers transiting through Spanish airports must now meet several new requirements. Those without a valid Schengen visa are required to apply for an airport transit visa (ATV) in advance.
The maximum layover time is limited to 24 hours, and travellers must remain within the international transit zone—they are not permitted to enter the Schengen area during their stopover. However, passengers who already hold a valid Schengen visa or a residence permit issued by a Schengen country are exempt from needing a transit visa.
How to Apply for an Airport Transit Visa (ATV)
Russian citizens must submit the following when applying for an ATV:
Completed official visa application form
Recent passport photo
Passport pages showing biometric data
Proof of onward travel, such as a flight booking
Proof of legal residence in Russia or another country
Payment of the consular fee (non-refundable)
Visa Processing Time
Standard processing time is up to 15 calendar days
In cases requiring additional documentation, the process may take up to 45 days
More EU Countries May Follow
Spain is not the only EU country tightening visa requirements for Russian nationals. Czechia has introduced similar transit restrictions, and several other EU member states have stopped issuing Schengen visas to Russian citizens altogether.
This trend indicates a growing push within the EU to limit Russian mobility across the bloc, particularly for non-essential travel such as tourism or short transit.
This new requirement marks another step in the EU’s tightening of travel regulations for Russian nationals in response to broader security and migration concerns. Travellers are strongly advised to check visa requirements well in advance of any planned transit through Spain or other European countries, as policies may continue to evolve.
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Travel and Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager at IaM (Immigration and Migration)
Charlie is IaM’s resident Travel & Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager. They craft clear, engaging guides that demystify complex visa and migration rules - and then personally supports each client through every step of their journey.
Over the past 6+ years, with IaM, and working in the travel and immigration sector, Charlie has authored 200+ in-depth guides on Schengen, UK visas & other destinations they have relocated 1,000+ families safely through the system. A Clockwork Practitioner, Charlie also works hard to streamline operations and adheres to the mantra "Task Clients Well".
When they’re not translating policy into plain English, you’ll find them scouting new destinations, collecting local stories, and mastering a new language to better serve our global community.
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