Europe Faces Renewed Debate Over Russian Travel
Eleven European countries have formally urged the European Commission to impose stricter controls or halt the issuance of Schengen tourist visas to Russian citizens. The joint appeal, made public in early June 2026, highlights ongoing security concerns tied to Russia’s war against Ukraine and potential hybrid threats within the Schengen area.
The move comes as visa numbers for Russians have risen again despite previous tightening measures. In 2025, EU countries issued more than 620,000 visas to Russian nationals, representing a 10.2 percent increase from the prior year. Tourist visas accounted for the majority, exceeding 477,000 approvals.
The Coalition Behind the Appeal
The 11 nations signing the letter to the European Commission include Poland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, and Iceland. These countries, many sharing borders with Russia or maintaining strong stances on the Ukraine conflict, argue that current rules leave gaps that could be exploited.
Frontline states such as Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Finland have already reduced Russian visa issuances to near zero or imposed entry restrictions at their land borders. They now seek a coordinated EU-wide approach to prevent circumvention through more permissive member states.
Security Concerns Driving the Push
Proponents of tighter restrictions point to risks including the potential entry of individuals linked to Russian military operations, saboteurs, or those involved in hybrid activities such as drone incursions and infrastructure interference. Officials worry that tourist visas could serve as a cover for former combatants or intelligence operatives.
The appeal emphasizes that allowing leisure travel while the war continues sends mixed signals and undermines solidarity with Ukraine. Eastern European governments have long maintained that Russians should face consequences for their government’s actions through restricted mobility.
Existing EU Measures and Their Limits
The European Union suspended its visa facilitation agreement with Russia in September 2022, ending simplified and cheaper visa processing. In November 2025, the European Commission introduced stricter rules ending multiple-entry Schengen visas for most Russian applicants, requiring fresh applications and security checks for each trip.
Despite these steps, single-entry tourist visas remain available. Eastern member states apply them sparingly, while countries such as France, Italy, and Spain have continued issuing them in greater numbers. This divergence has created friction within the bloc and prompted the latest coordinated call for further action.
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Divisions Within the European Union
Not all member states support a blanket crackdown. Southern and western European countries have expressed reservations, citing the need to maintain channels for Russian civil society, dissidents, journalists, and vulnerable groups. France and Italy, in particular, have faced internal political debates over the issue.
The European Commission has advised member states to scrutinize applications carefully and deprioritize those from Russian nationals, but it has stopped short of a full ban. Exemptions continue for categories such as family members of EU citizens, students, researchers, and human rights defenders.
Impact on Russian Travelers and European Tourism
Russians seeking to visit Europe now face longer processing times, higher costs, and greater uncertainty. Those living in exile or opposing the Kremlin have voiced concerns that stricter rules could further isolate them from family, cultural events, or professional opportunities on the continent.
European tourism sectors in countries that still welcome Russian visitors have seen mixed effects. While overall numbers remain far below pre-2022 levels, the rebound in 2025 approvals has drawn criticism from security-focused governments.
Perspectives from Affected Countries
Baltic and Nordic officials argue that the current patchwork approach weakens collective security. They advocate for a shared Schengen blacklist targeting individuals with combat experience in Ukraine or other red flags.
In contrast, some southern European diplomats stress the value of selective engagement. They point to the importance of supporting Russian voices critical of the war and maintaining limited people-to-people contacts.
Broader Geopolitical Context
The visa debate unfolds against a backdrop of continued Russian hybrid operations across Europe, including sabotage attempts and disinformation campaigns. EU leaders are expected to discuss related security measures at upcoming summits, potentially including expanded blacklisting mechanisms.
The issue also intersects with sanctions policy. While visa restrictions target individual mobility, broader economic measures remain the primary tool for pressuring Moscow.
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Possible Outcomes and Next Steps
The European Commission is reviewing the joint letter from the 11 countries. Any new guidance or binding decision would likely require consensus among member states, a process complicated by differing national interests.
Options under consideration range from non-binding recommendations for stricter scrutiny to more formal limits within future sanctions packages. A complete EU-wide tourist visa ban remains politically contentious and has not been formally proposed in the latest appeal.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Schengen Travel
Travelers from Russia can expect continued emphasis on individual security assessments. Those planning trips should monitor official embassy websites and prepare for additional documentation requirements.
The situation underscores the evolving nature of EU external policy in response to the Ukraine conflict. Further adjustments to visa rules could emerge depending on developments on the battlefield and within European capitals.
