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EU tightens visa restrictions on Russians over the Ukraine war and acts of sabotage
The EU will require Russians to apply for a new visa for each EU trip to counter security threats, with visa issuances falling from 4 million in 2019 to 500,000 in 2023.
- 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.
Insights by Ground AI
61 Articles
61 Articles
Last month, the EU made border controls for Russian diplomats more difficult. Now, all Russian citizens should feel the tougher entry conditions. There are few exceptions left.
·Hamburg, Germany
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The European Commission has adopted stricter rules for obtaining visas for Russian citizens in view of the increased security risks.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources61
Leaning Left17Leaning Right3Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution59% Left
Bias Distribution
- 59% of the sources lean Left
59% Left
L 59%
C 31%
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