The European Union (EU) on Friday announced new restrictions on visas for Russian nationals, citing rising security concerns nearly four years into the war in Ukraine.
EU foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, said the bloc would no longer issue multiple-entry visas to Russians, stressing that it was unjustifiable for citizens of a country waging war to enjoy free movement across Europe.
“Starting a war and expecting to move freely in Europe is hard to justify,” Kallas wrote on X. “The EU is tightening visa rules for Russian nationals amid continued drone disruptions and sabotage on European soil.”
New Application Rules Introduced
Under the new policy, Russian applicants will now be required to seek a fresh visa for every intended trip to the EU. Officials said this would allow “closer and more frequent scrutiny” of applications to reduce potential security risks.
However, the EU noted that exemptions would apply in certain cases, including for independent journalists and human rights defenders.
Last month, the bloc had already tightened travel restrictions on Russian diplomats stationed within the 27 member states as part of new sanctions.
Security and Political Concerns
The latest decision follows a series of airspace incursions and unexplained drone sightings across Europe, which officials blame on Russian “hybrid warfare” tactics.
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Several EU members, particularly those bordering Russia, have long pressed for tougher visa curbs, arguing that ordinary Russians should not travel freely for leisure while the war in Ukraine continues.
In 2022, the EU suspended its visa facilitation agreement with Moscow and directed member states to “deprioritise” tourist visa applications from Russian citizens.
Sharp Drop in Visa Approvals
According to EU data, the number of visas issued to Russians dropped from over four million before the war to around 500,000 in 2023. However, diplomats say approvals have begun to rise again, with France, Spain, and Italy among the leading issuers.
Critics of broader sanctions warn that the new restrictions could harm dissidents and ordinary Russians rather than the Kremlin.
Yulia Navalnaya, widow of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, cautioned in September that blanket bans would be a “serious mistake,” arguing that they only strengthen President Vladimir Putin’s narrative of a hostile Europe.
“For the purpose of achieving peace in Europe, it is counterproductive to assist Russian authorities in isolating Russian society,” Navalnaya wrote in a letter to Kallas.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
