European Commission Plans to Tighten Visa Issuance for Russian Citizens
New limits on visa issuance for Russian nationals are being prepared by the European Commission as part of a broader revision of the EU Visa Code, scheduled for early 2027. This was announced by Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert during a briefing on June 5. The number of Schengen visas issued to Russians has dropped sharply, from 4 million in 2022 to roughly 500,000 in 2023.
It is worth noting that the simplified visa agreement with Russia was suspended in 2022, and border controls were tightened. Stricter rules, including restrictions on multiple-entry visas for Russian citizens, are already planned for implementation in November 2025. According to Lammert, the beginning of 2027 will bring targeted measures designed to address security concerns arising from the actions of third countries.
Joint Response from Schengen Zone Countries
On June 4, 2023, eleven Schengen Area countries sent a joint letter to the European Commission demanding stricter regulations. The signatory nations are:
- Estonia
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Poland
- Finland
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Netherlands
- Czech Republic
- Iceland
- Norway
These states emphasize the need for tighter control over visa policies regarding Russia.
Meanwhile, demand for Schengen visas among Russians has risen by 20-25% compared to last year, according to the Russian Association of Tour Operators. Additionally, Estonia has already placed over a thousand individuals on its stop list. These restrictions and the European Commission's new initiatives signal the continuation of targeted measures to regulate visa policy and security in Europe.
“Extending visa restrictions for Russian citizens reflects a broader trend of enhanced control by European countries in response to geopolitical challenges.” – Markus Lammert
The response from the eleven Schengen Zone countries demonstrates their unified stance on the need to ensure security within the EU. As visa demand from Russians grows, new measures may further complicate travel opportunities for Russian citizens, impacting the tourism industry and cross-cultural ties in the region.
As visa policies across Europe tighten, similar measures are being observed in other regions. For instance, Thailand has recently reduced the visa-free stay for tourists from various countries, reflecting a growing trend of nations reevaluating their immigration policies in response to geopolitical tensions. This shift may impact travel plans for many, including those from Russia.