Russians are not the most popular tourists. They have a reputation for being loud, smoking, and a reluctance to obey rules.
The European Commission has now signalled plans to tighten Schengen visa rules for Russian nationals following criticism from a group of European countries that say current policies are being applied inconsistently across the bloc, news network Euronews reports.
The proposed measures, which Euronews says are expected to be presented next year, would introduce what Brussels describes as “targeted restrictive visa measures” aimed at addressing security concerns linked to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
The move comes after 11 European nations, led by Sweden, called on the Commission to take stronger action and create a more unified approach to handling visa applications from Russian citizens. The group also includes the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Sweden.
In a joint letter sent to Brussels, the countries expressed concern over what they described as significant differences in how member states are implementing visa guidelines introduced after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In a joint letter sent to Brussels, the countries expressed concern over what they described as significant differences in how member states are implementing visa guidelines introduced after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Those measures were designed to reduce non-essential travel from Russia, increase security screening and gradually phase out multi-entry visas in favour of single-entry permits.
The letter says inconsistent implementation has weakened the effectiveness of the policy and sent mixed political messages at a time when Europe is seeking to maintain a united stance against Moscow.
The letter urged the Commission to introduce binding restrictions, improve enforcement of existing guidelines and provide regular updates on visa issuance statistics involving Russian nationals.
France granted the highest number of Schengen visas to Russian nationals in 2025, issuing nearly 180,000 permits, an increase from the previous year. Italy followed with close to 160,000 visas, while Spain issued just under 100,000.
The letter says inconsistent implementation has weakened the effectiveness of the policy and sent mixed political messages at a time when Europe is seeking to maintain a united stance against Moscow.
The letter urged the Commission to introduce binding restrictions, improve enforcement of existing guidelines and provide regular updates on visa issuance statistics involving Russian nationals.
France granted the highest number of Schengen visas to Russian nationals in 2025, issuing nearly 180,000 permits, an increase from the previous year. Italy followed with close to 160,000 visas, while Spain issued just under 100,000.
The letter says that it is difficult to justify large numbers of Russian tourists enjoying vacations across Europe while the conflict in Ukraine continues and civilian areas remain under attack.
Image: Gatot Adriansyah, Scop.io
Image: Gatot Adriansyah, Scop.io
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