Europe Moves to Tighten Visas for Russian Citizens Amid Sanctions

The European Union is moving toward tougher visa restrictions for Russian citizens as part of a planned 19th package of EU sanctions in response to the war in Ukraine, with officials aiming to curb tourist travel and narrow the movement of Russian diplomats by late 2025. While no blanket ban is in place today, pressure from border states has grown after a surge in Schengen visas in 2024 and 2025, uneven policies among member states, and a string of security incidents that revived calls for tighter screening.

The European Commission has begun drafting guidance that could harden into binding rules if member states agree, and diplomats say several measures are already being piloted in some capitals.

Core proposals under consideration

At the core of the plan are proposals to:

• Limit or suspend tourist visas for Russians, with narrow humanitarian or family exceptions.
• Introduce quotas that could reduce Schengen visas issued to Russians by 30–40%.
• Raise application fees and extend processing times to stricter mandatory windows.
• Harmonize screening and documentation rules across member states.
• Restrict movement of Russian diplomats in the Schengen area, confining them to their country of posting.

Several measures are already being tested in some capitals.

Current divergence among member states

The bloc shows a stark split in approach:

• Stricter / nearly closed: Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Czechia, Finland, Denmark — tourist visas largely stopped or approvals rare.
• Moderately tightened: Belgium, the Netherlands, Slovakia — services trimmed or extra checks added.
• More permissive: Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Hungary — continue significant issuance, citing tourism revenue and consular capacity.

Southern and Western countries face rising political pressure to align with tougher measures despite economic and humanitarian concerns.

Visa volumes and trends

The scale of divergence is reflected in 2024 issuance figures:

These numbers reflect a rebound routed through more permissive countries, often after travel via third states because of flight bans and blocked airspace. Analysts say this patchwork creates policy and security risks.

Draft policy details and measures

Key draft measures would affect issuance and movement:

• Limit or suspend tourist visas, except in narrow humanitarian or family cases.
• Apply quotas reducing visas by 30–40% in more permissive states.
• Raise fees and require longer mandatory processing windows, likely 15–45 days.
• Harmonize security checks and share risk-factor lists and document standards.
• Confine Russian diplomats to their posting country within Schengen.

Several capitals already apply policies close to these ideas.

Country examples and specific rules

• Czechia: No tourist visas to Russians since October 2022; from September 2024 requires a biometric passport for all applications, including non-tourist categories.
• Denmark: No tourist visas; business/private visit visas considered only in exceptional cases; Danish embassy in Moscow does not provide regular visa services.
• Poland and the Baltic states: Entry almost impossible except for narrow work or family grounds with special permits.
• Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Hungary: Continue issuing significant numbers but with enhanced checks.

Security rationale and political arguments

Security concerns driving stricter rules:

• Authorities warn that espionage, hybrid threats, and organized networks can exploit inconsistent visa rules.
• Harmonized standards are viewed by supporters as essential to reduce risk and demonstrate solidarity.
• Border states emphasize administrative burden and local impact from circumvention by land and third-country routes.

Counterarguments from more permissive states:

• Large tourism sectors and legal duties to process valid applications argue against sweeping bans.
• Humanitarian concerns: blanket bans could penalize ordinary people and strengthen hardline narratives inside Russia.
• Opposition figures such as Yulia Navalnaya have urged Europe not to close the door on Russians who neither support nor benefit from the war.

Impact on travelers, families, students, and employers

Practical effects already visible:

• Standard Schengen visa fee rose to €80 for adults (from €35 pre-2022).
• Processing waits commonly 15–45 days; rejection rates ≈ 7.5%.
• Officers request more proof: funds, travel plans, ties to Russia, original documents, and sometimes in-person interviews.
• Appointment slots limited; consular workloads pressured.

If quotas are adopted, expect:

1. Fewer appointment slots, especially in high-volume consulates (Italy, Spain, France).
2. Prioritization of family visits, medical travel, and studies over tourism.
3. Stricter checks or suspension of some business and private visit categories.

For families and students:

• Long separations, delayed reunions, and disrupted plans for conferences or short courses.
• Students and researchers face uncertainty, even if different permit tracks exist for longer studies.

For employers:

• Short-term business travel will need more lead time and documentation.
• Some countries have suspended certain business visa categories for Russians — verify with consulates and consider virtual alternatives.

Residence and investment programs:

• “Golden visa” schemes largely closed to Russians across the EU.
• Existing Russian residents face tighter checks and potential complications for renewals and family reunification.

Travel routes and document rules:

• With many direct flights suspended, travelers route via Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, or Serbia to apply at more permissive consulates or enter by land.
• Consulates increasingly request detailed itineraries, hotel confirmations, and proof of health coverage.
• Biometric passports and updated documents are now required in several countries.

Diplomatic movement and reciprocal risks

• Several member states are piloting rules to confine Russian diplomats to their posting country.
• Supporters cite security gains; critics warn of retaliation.
• Russia has threatened reciprocal limits on EU diplomats, potentially complicating consular services for EU citizens in Russia.

Legal and procedural hurdles

• EU-wide uniform action needs consensus among all 27 member states.
• The Commission is drafting guidance that could become binding in the 19th sanctions package if approved.
• The Commission has not publicly endorsed a full tourist visa ban; consensus is lacking.
• Likely adopted elements: quotas, higher fees, longer processing, and diplomat movement limits. A full ban remains possible but uncertain.

Timetable and next steps

• The 19th EU sanctions package is expected to be finalized and possibly implemented by late 2025.
• Between now and then:
  • The Commission will refine guidance on screening and documentation.
  • Member states will negotiate quotas, fees, and rules on diplomats.
  • Some elements—such as movement limits for diplomats—are already being tested nationally and could be adopted sooner.

Applicants and readers seeking updates:

• Official EU guidance: European Commission Migration and Home Affairs
• Non-official news and summaries: Schengen Visa Info (useful but not official)

What travelers and employers should do now

Practical advice while rules evolve:

• Plan for added time: submit applications well in advance.
• Prepare complete, strong files: proof of purpose, funds, travel insurance, and ties to home.
• Expect higher fees, fewer appointment slots, and more denials for tourism-only trips.
• For business travel: obtain detailed invitation letters and evidence of activities.
• For family cases: include robust proof of relationship and living arrangements.
• Employers should verify consular rules and consider virtual alternatives for short-term participation.

Key takeaways and outlook

Consistency is the central priority: security services and border states want harmonized checks and data sharing to prevent workarounds, while southern states emphasize the need to preserve lawful travel and economic ties.

• If member states agree on quotas, common rules, and higher security checks, Russian travelers will face longer waits, tougher document demands, and fewer tourist approvals — though family, study, medical, and some work cases should still be possible.
• If talks stall, the current patchwork will continue, keeping pressure on border states and leaving applicants to seek more permissive consulates.
• The era of quick, low-cost tourist visas for large numbers of Russians is largely over for now; security, solidarity, and careful screening will shape Schengen access in the coming months.