The European Union is preparing to enforce stricter visa regulations for Russian tourists, with proposals expected to be presented by the European Commission in January 2027. Poland, Sweden, and Estonia have been prominent in advocating for more rigorous controls on Russian citizens, especially amid ongoing security concerns linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine and hybrid warfare actions.
Visa Issuance and Security Concerns
In 2025, Russian nationals received approximately 478,000 tourist visas for travel within the Schengen Area. A large portion of these were multiple-entry visas that allow Russian visitors to cross EU borders multiple times without reapplying. Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer has voiced concerns
over the current system, stating it exposes Europe to vulnerabilities exploited by hostile forces through sabotage, arson, and other covert activities connected to Moscow.
Diplomatic Actions and EU Policy Steps
Germany closed the Russian consulate general in Bonn on September 2, 2026, following an incident in Leipzig, concentrating consular services for Russians solely at the Russian Embassy in Berlin. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo called on October 10, 2026, for the suspension of tourist visa issuance to Russians. The issue of further restricting Russian diplomats within the EU is scheduled for discussion at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on October 12, 2026. European Commission spokesman
Markus Lammert confirmed preparations of targeted visa limitations against Russians in response to hostile behavior as of early September 2026.
Impact on Russian Tourists and Travel Procedures
With the introduction of these new measures, Russian tourists are expected to face enhanced scrutiny during visa application reviews, likely leading to longer processing times and reductions in multiple-entry visa issuance. These changes reflect an EU-wide response to security threats connected to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Moscow’s hybrid warfare efforts. The adjustments form part of broader EU policy updates aimed at mitigating risks associated with Russian travel to member states.
Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer highlighted these issues,
stating, “It’s obvious I think for everyone that we have vulnerabilities in our system that can be used by our enemies.” Strömmer added that from Sweden’s perspective, an earlier rollout of the Commission’s proposals, currently slated for January 2027, would be preferable.
