EU to restrict Russian visas to single-entry in new sanctions package

The European Union is preparing to implement stricter visa regulations for Russian citizens, eliminating multi-entry Schengen permits for most applicants as part of broader sanctions against Moscow. According to European officials cited by POLITICO, the new measures will generally limit Russian travelers to single-entry visas, with exceptions reserved for humanitarian circumstances and dual nationals holding EU citizenship.

Sanctions Context and Implementation Timeline

The visa restrictions form part of the EU's 19th sanctions package against Russia and are expected to receive formal approval this week. This represents the latest escalation in measures designed to limit Russian movement within Europe and reduce Moscow's influence across the continent. The decision builds upon the bloc's 2022 suspension of its visa facilitation agreement with Russia, which previously made obtaining EU travel documents more difficult and expensive for Russian nationals.

Member State Variations and Diplomatic Restrictions

While the EU cannot impose a complete visa ban since issuance remains a national competency, several member states have already implemented more stringent measures independently. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have banned nearly all Russian visitors, while Hungary, France, Spain, and Italy continue to maintain relatively more permissive visa policies. The sanctions package also introduces new travel notification requirements for Russian diplomats moving within the Schengen Area to counter alleged intelligence activities.

Broader Strategic Shift and Regional Implications

The European Commission is scheduled to present a comprehensive visa strategy next month that will encourage member states to "leverage visa policy against hostile states" and apply stricter criteria to nationals from Russia and other countries considered security risks. According to Commission data, Schengen visa issuances to Russians reached over 500,000 in 2024, representing an increase from 2023 but remaining substantially below the pre-war figure of 4 million. These developments occur amid ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting nations throughout the region, including Türkiye's strategic positioning between Europe and Russia.