US EditionEU tightens visa restrictions on Russians over the Ukraine war and acts of sabotage
The EU will require Russian nationals to apply for single-entry visas amid security concerns, with over 500,000 visas issued in 2024, tightening scrutiny to reduce espionage risks.
- On November 7, 2025, the European Commission adopted stricter rules largely banning multi-entry Schengen visas for Russian nationals, requiring a new visa for each trip with limited humanitarian exceptions.
- Amid rising security concerns tied to Russia's war, European Commission officials cited espionage, sabotage and hybrid operations, with Kaja Kallas writing `Starting a war and expecting to move freely in Europe is hard to justify`.
- Data show visa issuances plunged from 4 million in 2019 to 541,000 by 2024, with Italy, France and Spain issuing 152,254, 123,890 and 111,537 visas respectively.
- Member states retain control over visa issuance, meaning the European Commission cannot impose a full ban despite making travel more difficult for Russian nationals using short-term Schengen visas.
- Next month a bloc-wide visa strategy will recommend common screening criteria despite Hungary's opposition and denunciations from the Russian Foreign Ministry and warnings from Yulia Navalnaya.
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86 Articles
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The move announced by High Representative Kallas infuriates Moscow's response. Meanwhile, he holds the comparison on Russia's assets
Those who wish to enter Europe will have to ask for permission every time: a measure also anti spy. Zakharova: "Favourite illegal migrants" (Translated with Google Translate)
The European Union (EU) announced on Friday, 7 November, stricter rules for issuing visas for Russian citizens. After reducing the number of visas granted to Russians after the invasion of Ukraine, Brussels is now taking away the possibility of obtaining multiple entry visas. The EU is seeking to strengthen its security, after several hybrid attacks attributed to Moscow.
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