Tour Operators Warn of Risks to Educational Programs, Tourism, and Business Trips
Tour operators are reporting serious difficulties in obtaining UK visas. According to them, despite having hundreds of completed applications from those wishing to travel for tourism, attend summer language schools, or conduct business, it is currently almost impossible to submit documents to the visa application center.
Industry specialists note that since the New Year holidays and up to the present day, it has become virtually impossible to secure an appointment to submit documents to the UK visa center. This poses a risk for tourists, entrepreneurs, students, and schoolchildren who had planned trips to the country for the summer. The high season for studying in the UK begins in early July, but given the current processing times (at least two months), even those who prepared in advance risk losing the cost of airline tickets and ground services.
Representatives of the travel industry call the current situation unprecedented over the past decades. They point out that visa costs remain high: a six-month visa costs €315, a two-year visa €750, and a five-year visa €1,390. Meanwhile, the refusal rate is low — less than 10% — with the main problem being the inability to submit documents.
Experts are surprised by the sharp deterioration of the situation this spring. Until the end of last year, the visa process was relatively stable. A possible reason for the change is said to be the tightening of application scrutiny from the beginning of 2025. As a result, they believe the tourist flow has come under significant political influence.
The travel industry has not received any official comments regarding the current situation. The last time diplomats commented on visa policy issues was three years ago, in the spring of 2022, when they stated that applications for all types of visas continued to be processed.
Tour operators express hope that common sense will prevail and decisions will be made that will allow tourists to obtain UK visas without additional risks.
As for European destinations, the situation with Schengen visas remains more favorable. The consulates of France, Spain, and Italy are considered the most loyal to applicants. Visa centers in some other European countries, such as Hungary and Greece, mostly issue visas for specific travel dates. The visa services of Austria, Germany, and several other EU countries grant visas mainly in exceptional cases — for example, when traveling to visit relatives or in emergencies.
Statistics: Decrease in Issued Visas
According to open sources, there has been a significant decline in the number of UK visas issued to Russian citizens over the past few years. While more than 100,000 UK visas were issued in 2019, by 2024 this number had nearly halved. A particularly sharp drop occurred after 2022 amid worsening diplomatic relations and the introduction of additional screening measures for visa applications. Experts predict a further decline in 2025 if access issues to visa centers persist.
Alternative Destinations for Education and Tourism
In light of the difficulties with traveling to the UK, travel companies recommend considering alternative destinations. Malta, Ireland, and Cyprus — English-speaking countries with simpler visa requirements — remain popular choices for summer language study. Additionally, Canada and the United Arab Emirates offer educational programs in English. In terms of tourism, interest is shifting towards Schengen countries, where, despite visa challenges, the process remains more predictable.
Historical Context: Changes in Visa Policy
The UK’s visa policy towards Russian citizens underwent changes after 2018, when diplomatic tensions between the two countries escalated. Additional checks for applicants were introduced, processing times increased, and the visa application process became more bureaucratic. Nevertheless, until 2022, the system remained relatively stable, allowing visas to be obtained within reasonable timeframes. A new wave of complications began in the spring of 2022, and according to experts, procedures became even stricter from 2025 amid internal reforms of the UK’s immigration policies.