EU Preparing New Restrictions on Visas for Russians: Stay Updated
European institutions are actively working on implementing new measures to limit the issuance of Schengen visas to Russian citizens amid ongoing diplomatic and security challenges faced by the European Union in the current geopolitical context.
EU Commissioner Markus Lammert recently confirmed that additional restrictions are being considered, though he did not specify the details of these measures.
According to him, this initiative is being coordinated closely with member states to ensure border integrity and security, aiming to prevent visa schemes from being exploited to bypass sanctions.
It is known that by the end of 2022, the EU had already suspended the agreement with Russia on simplified visa procedures, as part of a broader diplomatic strategy.
Since then, the number of visas issued to Russians has drastically decreased—from over 4 million in 2019 to around 500,000 in 2023.
There is a noticeable trend toward tougher rules, especially in Baltic countries and Poland, which have imposed bans or severe restrictions on Russian entries.
These measures are expected to strengthen border controls and reduce opportunities for circumventing existing regulations, aligning with the EU’s efforts to enhance regional security and stability.