The EU may completely stop issuing Schengen visas to Russians: what is known

The EU may completely stop issuing Schengen visas to citizens of Russia

According to hvylya.net: The head of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, Nikita Kondratiev, expressed concern that European Union countries may stop issuing Schengen visas to citizens of Russia. This became known from his comment to the Russian state media.

The tightening of the EU's visa policy, particularly the ban on issuing multiple-entry visas, was the reason for Kondratiev's fears. On November 7, the European Commission prohibited the issuance of multiple-entry Schengen visas to citizens of Russia, which may significantly complicate travel for Russians to EU countries.

'There is always a risk, actually. There are constant tightening measures. The processing times for visas are getting longer, which is expected,' Kondratiev noted.

The EU cited the need to ensure the security of the Schengen zone and prevent the use of visas for Russia's aggressive activities or other harmful activities on the territory of the European Union as the reason for such restrictions.

According to the European Commission, in 2024, Russians submitted over 600,000 applications for Schengen visas, of which over 200,000 were multiple-entry, but now their travel may be complicated due to new restrictions.

The European Union may completely stop issuing Schengen visas to citizens of Russia in connection with the tightening of visa policy, which may significantly complicate travel for Russians to EU countries. This EU decision is related to the need to ensure the security of the Schengen zone and prevent the potential use of visas for harmful activities within the European Union.