Russia EU tightens visa rules for Russians
The European Union is tightening the rules for issuing visas to Russian citizens. As the European Commission announced, Russians will no longer be able to apply for multiple-entry visas in future.
07.11.2025, 14:16
07.11.2025, 14:17
SDA
Exceptions will only be made for people who have close relatives in the EU, as well as for truck drivers and other workers in passenger and freight transport. In future, everyone else will have to apply for a new visa for every planned entry.
According to the Commission, the reason for the new regulation is "increasing security risks resulting from Russia's unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine". These also include the instrumentalization of migration, acts of sabotage and the potential misuse of visas.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said: "We are witnessing unprecedented drone attacks and acts of sabotage on European soil. It is our duty to protect our citizens." Travel to the EU and free movement within the Union is a privilege and not an automatic right. Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner announced that there should also be increased verification procedures and controls.
According to EU data, around 542,000 visas for short-term stays in EU countries or other Schengen states such as Switzerland were issued by consulates in Russia last year. Although this was significantly fewer than in the pre-coronavirus year of 2019, it was around a fifth more than in 2023.
The figures have recently caused frustration, particularly in eastern EU countries. They have long criticized that it is unacceptable for rich Russians who benefit from the government of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to lie in the sun on the Mediterranean beaches of EU countries while countless people die in Ukraine as a result of the Russian war of aggression.
Freedom of movement for diplomats is also restricted
As a defense against espionage and disinformation, the EU recently decided to restrict the freedom of movement of Russian diplomats and consular officials as well as their employees and family members. From January 25 of next year, they will have to notify the destination and transit countries at least 24 hours in advance when traveling between member states. The latter may also introduce a permit requirement for entry or transit in order to be able to prohibit travel in case of doubt.
