EU States Push for Stricter Visa Rules on Russians

(MENAFN) Eleven European Union member states have urged the European Commission to enforce tougher, binding restrictions on Schengen visas for Russian nationals. Their appeal stems from ongoing security concerns and the continued influx of Russian tourists despite Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

In a joint communication addressed to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner, the governments of Poland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, and Iceland demanded a more unified strategy toward Russian citizens.

The letter, revealed by a media outlet, carried the signatures of Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski and Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski. “In times of geopolitical confrontation, the strength of the European Union lies in its unity,” the ministers declared, stressing that a collective approach is essential to ensure the credibility of the bloc’s foreign and sanctions policies.

The signatories expressed alarm at the rising number of Russian tourists vacationing across Europe while the war continues. “It has been deeply troubling to witness increasing numbers of Russian tourists enjoying leisure travel on European beaches and in European resorts while missiles and drones continue to strike civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine,” the letter stated.

According to the figures cited, 477,878 Schengen visas were granted to Russian citizens for tourism in 2025, many of them multiple-entry permits.

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