EU adopts stricter rules on visas for Russian nationals

On 7 November, the European Commission adopted stricter rules on visas for Russian nationals, in view of the increased security risks stemming from Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, including the weaponisation of migration, acts of sabotage and the potential misuse of visas.

From now on, Russian nationals will no longer be able to receive multiple-entry visas. This means Russian nationals will have to apply for a new visa each time they plan to travel to the EU, allowing for close and frequent scrutiny of applicants to mitigate any potential security risk.

The goal is to mitigate threats to public policy and internal security while allowing exceptions for limited and justified cases such as independent journalists and human rights defenders, ensuring uniform application across Member States and preventing circumvention.

“Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has created the most dangerous security environment in Europe for decades. We now face unprecedented drone disruptions and sabotage on our soil. We have a duty to protect our citizens,” said Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission. “Stricter rules will now apply to Russian nationals requesting a visa to travel to the EU. Travelling to and freely moving within the EU is a privilege not a given.”

Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, added that under the newly adopted provisions, all visa applications submitted by Russian nationals will be subject to enhanced verification procedures and elevated levels of scrutiny.

This decision is based on a joint assessment by Member States under local Schengen cooperation in Russia and follows the approval by all Member States in the Visa Committee. 

Since Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, the EU has taken unprecedented action for Russia to stop this unjust and unprovoked aggression, including the full suspension of the Visa Facilitation Agreement with Russia and the adoption of guidelines to support Member States to deprioritise visas for Russians and refrain issuing them, increasing the security and border controls.

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Press release

Commission implementing decision establishing rules on the issuing of multiple-entry visas to Russian nationals