EU tightens visa rules for Russians: No more multi-entry visas

The European Union is further tightening visa regulations for Russian citizens . Following the tightening of border controls for Russian diplomats last month, the new rules now apply to all Russian citizens – with only a few exceptions. The EU's aim is to reduce security risks associated with Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

No more multiple-entry visas

The key point of the new regulation: Schengen visas allowing multiple entries will generally no longer be issued to Russian citizens. This means that a new visa must be applied for for each planned trip to the EU.

Exceptions apply only in narrowly defined cases, such as:

• close EU family members ,

• Truck drivers and employees in freight and passenger transport,

• selected groups such as dissidents, independent journalists and human rights activists.

All other travelers should expect significantly higher hurdles and more administrative work.

Background: Security concerns and “hybrid warfare”

According to the European Commission, the new measures are directly related to current security policy developments . These include increasing acts of sabotage on European soil, the use of migration as a political tool – particularly via Belarus – and concerns about the misuse of visas already issued. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas emphasized in this context that travel to the EU is " a privilege and not an automatic right ." EU Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner also announced that vetting procedures and controls will be significantly tightened in the future.

Pressure from eastern EU states

The move comes as no surprise: countries like Poland, Estonia, and Latvia have been pushing for years to more strictly restrict tourist travel to Russia using multi-entry visas . In 2024, around 542,000 Schengen visas for short stays in Russia were issued – fewer than before the pandemic, but significantly more than in 2023. This has sparked particular resentment in Eastern European countries, where it is considered unacceptable that wealthy Russian citizens can enjoy holidays in the EU while war continues in Ukraine .

Already stricter rules for diplomats

The EU had already taken measures against potential espionage and disinformation. Russian diplomats will now be required to register trips within the EU at least 24 hours in advance . Member states may also introduce additional authorization requirements or prohibit travel altogether.

What does this mean for those affected?

For Russian citizens wishing to travel to the EU – for example, for family visits, business trips, or tourism – the administrative burden will increase considerably. Those who already live in the EU long-term or have family ties should check early on whether exceptions apply or whether alternative residence options exist.

VISAGUARD provides support with all questions relating to Schengen visas, national residence permits and special migration law regulations.