From 0.4% to 50%: Greek visa rejections hit record high for Russians

Getting a Greek Schengen visa has become significantly harder in 2026, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR).  The numbers tell a clear story. Last summer, only about 0.1–0.4% of visa applications from tourists were denied. This year, that figure has jumped to 2–2.5% for tour operators. However, some major companies report that during peak season, refusal rates hit as high as 50%. The situation is even worse for independent travelers, with some estimates suggesting that up to 70% of solo applicants are being turned down.  

Most applicants receive a standard letter stating that the documents provided do not “sufficiently confirm the purpose and conditions of the intended trip.” The consulate does not give detailed explanations for individual cases. What puzzles tour operators the most is that even tourists with fully paid packages are being rejected. These aren’t just hotel bookings that can be canceled; they are real tours confirmed by Greek partner companies. As ATOR noted, these denials feel especially unexpected.  

Experts point to one possible reason: the high workload at the visa center and the consulate. The pressure is also causing major delays. While the visa process used to take about two to three weeks, it can now stretch to as long as one and a half months.  For comparison, Greece issued about 59,000 visas to Russian citizens in 2025. Almost 42% of those were multiple-entry visas. However, the rejection rate that year was already higher than average, standing at 11.2%, compared to the Schengen average of 6.4%. This year, the trend appears to be getting worse.