The European Commission has banned the issuance of multiple-entry visas to Russian citizens, except in exceptional cases. This was announced in a statement by the European Commission.
"From now on, Russian citizens will no longer be able to obtain multiple-entry visas. This means they will have to apply for a new visa every time they plan a trip to the EU, which will allow for thorough and frequent screening of applicants to reduce potential security risks,” the website notes.
The Schengen Area (through its consulates and visa offices) is introducing a rule: Russian citizens will no longer be able to obtain Multiple-entry Schengen visas for standard tourist or visitor purposes. Now they will be issued single-entry visa for each trip.
Exceptions will include cases where the consulate considers the applicant to be “undoubtedly trustworthy and of good character”—for example, independent journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society activists.
In addition, family members of EU citizens and transportation/logistics workers may also obtain a multiple-entry visa, but with restrictions (for example, for a period of up to 9 months).
The Commission notes that this is not a full-fledged visa ban on Russians—the decision remains up to each Schengen member state.
Rationale: increased threats to national and internal security, “Russia’s war against Ukraine,” and the risk that the visa regime could be used as a tool for hybrid influence, espionage, or sabotage.
Historical Context: Back in September 2022, the visa facilitation agreement between the EU and Russia was suspended; Russians have already faced higher costs and more complicated visa procedures.
A general overview of Schengen Area countries—how they handle visa applications from Russian citizens (based on currently available data):
| Country | What Is Known About the Issuance of Visas to Russians | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Lithuania | It has suspended the issuance of tourist and short-term Schengen visas to Russian citizens, with some exceptions (EU family members, humanitarian cases). (Lietuvos Radijas ir Televizija) | One of the strictest restrictions. |
| Latvia Latvia | Similarly, there is a ban on tourist travel for Russians, and visa issuance has been restricted. (AP News) | The situation is very tough for regular tourism. |
| Estonia Estonia | It has restricted entry for Russians traveling for tourism purposes. (Lietuvos Radijas ir Televizija) | It virtually never issues tourist visas. |
| Poland | It has severely restricted the issuance of Schengen visas to Russians; tourist visas are generally not issued. (TASS) | A state of near "emergency." |
| Finland Finland | Tourist visas are rarely issued to Russians; only certain categories remain. (unitedmathcirclesfoundation.org) | A very restricted regime. |
| Germany Germany | The entire bloc has announced that, starting in November 2025, multiple-entry visas for Russians will be discontinued. (Anadolu Agency) | Visa issuance continues, but the procedures are changing. |
| France | It issues visas to Russians, including multiple-entry visas, but the percentage of such visas has dropped significantly. (TASS) | More “loyalty” than in the Baltic countries. |
| Italy | One of the most “open” regimes: a significant proportion of multiple-entry visas are issued to Russians. (akm.ru) | However, even here, there has been a decline in the proportion of multiple-entry visas. |
| Spain | It issues visas to Russians, but the percentage of multiple-entry visas is very low. (akm.ru) | Visa requirements are becoming more complicated. |
| Hungary | It is more accommodating toward Russians, issuing visas—including multiple-entry visas—in greater numbers. (akm.ru) | It is an exception among a number of countries. |
Comments and Opinions
From European representatives
- EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas on Twitter: “It’s hard to justify starting a war and expecting to be able to move freely throughout Europe. Traveling within the EU is a privilege, not something to be taken for granted.” / Lietuvos Radijas ir Televizija
From Russia
- Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented that the EU is “reviving Cold War practices,” calling these “actions directed against the people, not just the regime.” / Anadolu Agency
Expert Assessments
A legal analysis on the “Verfassungsblog” website (by Sarah Ganty) examines the argument regarding the legitimacy of such visa restrictions: on the one hand, they affect people based on their nationality; on the other hand, the EU has the right to impose measures if justified by a threat to public safety. / Constitutional Blog
An article on the Atlantic Council website notes that the tightening of visa requirements indicates that Eastern European countries (the Baltic states, Poland, and others) are no longer “junior” players and are taking the initiative in their relations with Russia. / Atlantic Council
What Remains Unclear and What Is Worth Paying Attention To
What are the implications for ordinary Russian tourists or business travelers—how sharply will costs rise, how long will processing times be, and what is the risk of being denied?
Although many sources claim that the rule has already “taken effect,” the Commission officially refers to “additional measures” and does not provide details regarding timelines or transition periods. / Anadolu Agency
Since each Schengen country makes its own visa decisions, in practice, visa issuance policies will vary from country to country. For example, some countries have already imposed severe restrictions on Russian visas, while others are more lenient. / Lietuvos Radijas ir Televizija
Exactly how the “good character” and “reliability” of applicants seeking exemptions (journalists, human rights activists) will be verified remains unclear at this time.
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