The European Union has adopted stricter visa rules for Russian nationals in light of what it calls ’weaponisation of migration, acts of sabotage and potential misuse of visas’. Russian nationals will no longer be eligible for multiple-entry visas and must apply for a new visa each time they travel to the EU.
According to European Commission, the move is motivated by attempts to protect public policy and security. The move represents another step in the EU’s efforts to punish Moscow for its ongoing war in Ukraine. In practical terms, it will mean that Russians can generally only receive single-entry visas, with some exceptions for humanitarian reasons. Russians who also hold EU citizenship will not be affected.
Visa policy remains member states’ responsibility
Brussels had already made it harder and more expensive for Russians to obtain visas. In late 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Union suspended its visa facilitation agreement with Moscow Some member countries, such as the Baltic states, have gone even further by banning or severely restricting Russians from stepping onto their soil.
Although the Commission has tightened visa requirements for Russians, the issuing of visas remains the responsibility of member states. Approaches vary significantly—while some member states have effectively stopped issuing visas to Russians, countries such as Italy and Spain have a much more tolerant approach.
