Published on
September 16, 2025
Poland, Finland, Czechia, France, Italy, and Hungary are at the forefront of a new push within the European Union to implement stricter visa restrictions for Russian tourists and limit the movement of Russian diplomats across the bloc. These proposals are driven by concerns over security and the increasing number of Russian nationals visiting Europe, with more than half a million Russians traveling to the region this summer. As the EU prepares its next round of sanctions in response to Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine, these countries are seeking to harmonize entry regulations across the bloc, ensuring that tighter restrictions are in place to prevent further inflows of Russian nationals while also addressing the diplomatic risks posed by Russian officials stationed within the EU.
The European Union is weighing new and tougher measures to increase pressure on Russia in response to its ongoing war in Ukraine. One of the key proposals under consideration is the imposition of stricter visa restrictions for Russian tourists, alongside potential limits on the movement of Russian diplomats within the EU. These measures are being discussed as part of the EU’s upcoming nineteenth sanctions package, expected to be introduced this week.
The push for such policies comes after a significant increase in Russian tourism to Europe. More than half a million Russian nationals visited EU countries during the summer of 2024, marking a considerable rise from the previous year. As Moscow’s war in Ukraine continues to drag on, the EU is reconsidering its approach to Russian nationals entering the bloc, especially in light of the increased numbers of Russian tourists. Many EU countries, particularly those in Eastern Europe, have already taken steps to reduce or limit the number of visas granted to Russian citizens, but others have been more lenient, citing economic and tourism considerations.
In response to these developments, the EU is contemplating a new strategy to streamline visa policies across the bloc. The idea would be to harmonize entry regulations, ensuring that visa issuance follows a unified policy rather than being handled by individual member states. This approach would build upon the previous decision to end the EU’s visa facilitation agreement with Russia, a move made in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Under that agreement, Russian nationals enjoyed certain privileges when applying for visas, but the EU chose to revoke it, signaling a firmer stance on Russia.
One of the most radical proposals being discussed is the possibility of a blanket ban on all Russian visitors to the EU. This measure, however, would require the approval of a qualified majority of member states. Many of the EU’s frontline countries, especially those bordering Russia, have already taken significant steps to restrict visa applications from Russian nationals. Poland, the Baltic States, Finland, and Czechia have all implemented strict visa controls or outright bans for Russian citizens. However, countries in Southern and Western Europe that rely heavily on Russian tourism—such as Italy, Spain, Greece, and France—have been more lenient in their approach, continuing to grant visas despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
According to European Commission data for 2024, over half a million Russians obtained Schengen visas, a notable increase from the previous year. This surge in Russian visitors has raised concerns within the EU, prompting some members to call for stricter entry requirements to ensure that Russia’s military aggression does not benefit from the influx of tourism revenue. The renewed debate over visa restrictions is part of a broader effort by the EU to hold Russia accountable for its actions while balancing economic and diplomatic considerations.
The EU is also expected to introduce new entry guidelines for all non-EU nationals, which will take effect in the coming year. While these guidelines will be non-binding, they are intended to provide a framework for member states on how to handle visa applications, including those from Russian nationals. These guidelines could significantly impact the visa issuance process across the bloc and are seen as a response to the increasing number of Russian visitors and the ongoing security concerns related to the war in Ukraine.
While some EU officials and diplomats are advocating for a full ban on Russian tourists, others caution against such a measure. Exiled Russian opposition figures, in particular, have warned that penalizing ordinary Russian citizens could unfairly punish those who are not involved in the actions of the Kremlin. They argue that distinguishing between the Russian government and the general public is essential to avoid further alienating the people of Russia who are opposed to the war.
Another aspect of the ongoing discussions involves limiting the movement of Russian diplomats who already hold Schengen visas and are stationed within the EU. Some EU member states, particularly those that are on the frontline of the war, have pushed for restrictions on Russian diplomats’ ability to travel freely within the bloc. One proposal, which was heavily supported by Czechia, suggested suspending Schengen rules for Russian diplomats, effectively limiting their movement to the country in which they are accredited. This measure would restrict their ability to move around Europe, thereby limiting their influence and reducing the risk of espionage or sabotage.
The push for tighter controls on Russian diplomats stems from a growing concern about security risks within the EU. In recent years, several European countries have expelled Russian diplomats accused of spying or acting under false pretenses. The EU’s tougher stance on Russian diplomats is seen as a direct response to these threats, as well as a means of further isolating Russia diplomatically. The proposal to restrict the movement of Russian diplomats within the EU is expected to face opposition from some member states, particularly those that have traditionally maintained closer ties with Russia.
Poland, Finland, Czechia, France, Italy, and Hungary are leading the EU’s push for tougher restrictions on Russian tourist visas and diplomatic movements, as concerns rise over the increasing number of Russian nationals visiting Europe. These measures are part of the EU’s ongoing efforts to strengthen sanctions in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
As the EU continues to grapple with how to respond to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, these new proposals aim to balance the need for stronger sanctions with the realities of tourism and diplomacy. While some countries push for more severe restrictions, others advocate for a more nuanced approach, ensuring that ordinary Russian citizens are not unfairly punished. In the coming days, as the EU prepares to unveil its next round of sanctions, the debate over Russian visas and diplomatic freedoms will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the bloc’s response to Russia’s actions.
