European Commission to Overhaul Schengen Visa Issuance for Russian Citizens
The European Commission has announced plans to tighten the rules governing Schengen visa issuance for Russian citizens. These changes are slated to take effect as part of a broader revision of the EU Visa Code in 2025. Migration spokesperson Markus Lammert emphasized that this move is aimed at addressing security concerns linked to hostile actions by third countries.
Before 2022, Russian nationals received an average of around four million Schengen visas each year. By 2025, however, that number is expected to drop to approximately 500,000. Despite this overall decline, some EU member states—including France, Italy, and Spain—continue to issue visas to Russians at significant levels. In 2024 alone, France issued nearly 180,000 Schengen visas, Italy around 160,000, and Spain close to 100,000.
Coalition of Nations Pushes for Stricter Controls, While Serbia Takes a Different Stance
A coalition of 11 European countries has urged Brussels to tighten oversight of visa issuance to Russian citizens. This coalition includes:
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Finland
- Estonia
- Iceland
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Sweden
Markus Lammert also noted that restricting visa issuance to Russians has been a top priority for the Commission since Russia's aggression against Ukraine began in 2022. 'We have taken unprecedented measures and will continue to do so,' he added.
Separately, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that Belgrade has no plans to revoke its visa-free regime for Russian citizens. This highlights divergent approaches to visa policy across Europe. As the EU prepares to revise its Visa Code, the upcoming changes promise to be a pivotal moment in shaping the bloc's visa policy toward Russia.
The tightening of Schengen visa rules for Russian nationals reflects growing pressure from EU member states in light of Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. The coalition's unified stance signals a collective strategy to mitigate potential security threats. At the same time, Serbia's decision to maintain visa-free access underscores the fragmentation in migration policy across the continent—a factor that could complicate future negotiations over a cohesive regional visa framework.
As the EU looks to implement these significant changes, it is essential to understand the broader implications of new restrictions being considered for Russian travelers. This shift not only affects visa issuance but also reflects the changing dynamics of international relations in Europe, prompting various member states to reassess their own policies toward Russian citizens.