The key facts

  • The European Commission said the 'next steps' in restricting visas for Russians are ahead
  • The EC is implementing the EU ministers' decision to ban entry for Russian combatants
  • In June, 11 Schengen countries called for coordinated restrictions on tourist visas

EC announces new visa restrictions

The European Commission said on Monday that further visa restrictions could be introduced for Russian citizens, as called for by EU member states. 'We have also taken measures that make it more difficult for Russian citizens to obtain multiple-entry visas, and the next steps are ahead,' Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert said at a briefing in Brussels.

Ban for combatants and previous measures

According to Lammert, the Commission is working on implementing the EU ministers' decision to ban entry for Russian combatants taking part in the war against Ukraine. He also reiterated that restricting visa issuance to Russians has been an EU priority since the start of the war in February 2022. In November, the Commission already introduced stricter rules that deprived Russians of the possibility of obtaining multiple-entry Schengen visas: now a new visa must be issued for each trip.

Pressure from member states

The EC statements came amid renewed calls by EU countries to tighten entry rules for Russians. In June, 11 Schengen countries sent the Commission a letter demanding further measures on Russian tourist visas and a more coordinated approach by the entire bloc. Sweden also published a joint ministerial statement calling for new EU proposals to restrict tourist visas for Russian citizens; it argued that inconsistent application of existing rules undermines the bloc's collective approach.