From now on, Russians will no longer be able to obtain multiple-entry visas. They must apply for a new visa each time they plan to travel to the EU.
The European Commission said the measure will allow authorities to thoroughly screen applicants to reduce potential security risks.
Exceptions are allowed in “limited and justified cases,” such as independent journalists and human rights defenders.
The Commission noted that the decision is based on a joint assessment by EU member states and was approved by all members in the Visa Committee.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas emphasized that travel to the EU and free movement within its territory “is a privilege, not an automatic right.”
“The illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine has created the most dangerous security situation in Europe in decades. We are now facing unprecedented violations and sabotage from drones on our territory. We have a duty to protect our citizens. From now on, stricter rules will apply to Russian citizens applying for visas to travel to the EU,” she said.
On Sept. 15, Euractiv reported that EU countries were considering limiting tourist visas for Russians and controlling the movements of Russian diplomats within their territories.
According to the European Commission, more than half a million Russians received Schengen visas in 2024, a significant increase over the previous year.
At the end of 2022, the EU suspended its visa facilitation agreement with Moscow following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Some member states, including the Baltic countries, went further by banning or severely restricting Russian entry.