The European Union is finalizing plans to tighten visa requirements for Russian tourists, with proposals expected from the European Commission in January 2027. The move aims to address security concerns related to the large number of Russian visitors entering EU countries under current visa arrangements.
In 2025, approximately 478,000 tourist visas were issued to Russian citizens for travel within the Schengen Area. A significant number of these visas were multiple-entry permits that allow repeated border crossings without the need for new applications.
Poland, Sweden, and Estonia have advocated for more stringent visa regulations on Russian nationals in response to ongoing
security threats and hybrid warfare linked to Moscow. These countries seek to strengthen EU border controls against potential risks posed by multiple-entry visas.
Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer highlighted the vulnerabilities in the current system, stating, “It’s obvious I think for everyone that we have vulnerabilities in our system that can be used by our enemies.” He added that the European Commission’s proposal, reportedly set for January 2027, would ideally come even earlier from Sweden’s perspective.
Additional measures targeting Russian diplomats will be discussed by EU member states at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting scheduled for October 12, 2026. These
are expected in parallel to the visa tightening efforts.
Germany closed its last Russian consulate general in Bonn following a September 2, 2026 incident in Leipzig. Russian consular services in Germany are now exclusively handled by the Russian Embassy in Berlin. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on October 10, 2026, called for a complete halt to issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens across Europe.
European Commission spokesman Markus Lammert confirmed on September 3, 2026, that the EU is preparing targeted visa restrictions specifically for Russian applicants. These measures are part of broader efforts to respond to hostile actions by Russia
amid rising geopolitical tensions.
The proposed rules will impose more rigorous visa application procedures for Russian travelers, potentially limiting or reducing the issuance of multiple-entry tourist visas. The consular service changes in Germany further restrict Russian access to diplomatic assistance within the EU.
