EU bans multiple-entry Schengen visas for Russians

Photo: RST

The EU tightened its visa policy for Russian citizens on November 7, 2025. Russians will no longer be able to obtain multiple-entry Schengen visas — a new application will be required for each trip. The European Commission explained that the measure is linked to ongoing hostilities in Ukraine and aims to strengthen overall security.

There are exceptions

The new rules will apply to all Russian citizens without exception, but some exemptions will remain. For example, family members of EU residents, truck drivers, and seafarers will still be eligible under certain conditions. EU member states may also review individual applications from independent journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society representatives. Such cases will be assessed separately to avoid blocking humanitarian or socially significant travel.

The tightening of visa rules continues the measures introduced after the start of hostilities in Ukraine. In 2022, the European Union completely suspended the visa facilitation agreement with Russia, increased border checks, and advised consulates to “deprioritize” Russian applications. The new decision reinforces this approach by moving to a case-by-case review of every visa request.

Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner emphasized that protecting the EU’s external borders requires strict visa regulations. He stated that all applications from Russian citizens will now undergo enhanced scrutiny, which should improve the reliability and security of the Schengen area.

How the decision was made

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said that Russia has created “the most dangerous security situation in Europe in decades.” She added that, amid acts of sabotage and drone attacks on EU territory, member states must prevent any risks and treat freedom of movement as a privilege rather than a default right. Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen also described the visa restrictions as a necessary step to protect the Union and its citizens.

Brussels clarified that the decision was based on a joint assessment by EU countries within the framework of Schengen cooperation in Russia and approved by all member states at the Visa Committee meeting. The new system is expected to ensure uniform implementation of visa rules and prevent circumvention in individual consulates or countries.

Which countries have already changed the rules

National governments may make decisions at their own discretion, reminds Izvestia. This was also noted during a briefing in Brussels. The German Foreign Ministry confirmed that the country will comply with the new requirements. Spain switched to single-trip visas even earlier.

Greece has been issuing visas strictly for the duration of travel for more than two years, as explained Dmitry Arutyunov, one of the heads of the Russian Union of the Travel Industry (RUTI). “A similar practice is applied in Italy,” he added. “Previously, the French often gave tourists multiple-entry visas, but that was an exception. Now, such visas are mainly granted for business trips, and even those are rare.” RUTI also noted that in 2024, out of nearly 550,000 Schengen visas issued to Russians, only 5% were multiple-entry.

What travelers can expect

Artur Muradyan, Vice President of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), believes the decision itself will not directly affect classic tourist trips, but consulates may reduce the number of available appointment slots — which will make obtaining a Schengen visa more difficult. Overall, he described the change as “unpleasant but not critical,” noting that it will bring additional costs and stress for travelers.

Yury Barzykin, head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Committee on Tourism, pointed out that the new restriction adds to existing barriers such as the ban on using Russian bank cards and the lack of direct flights. All this, he said, “does not help generate travel flows,” though “many countries still welcome Russian tourists and even offer visa-free entry.”

The “Turpomoshch” (Tourist Assistance) association explained that for ordinary Russian travelers, the European Commission’s decision will lead to longer processing times, higher visa costs, and stricter document requirements. At first, application practices may vary between consulates, and travelers will likely choose the most lenient ones.

Overall, the new EU rules may exclude a significant segment of travelers who previously planned short or spontaneous trips. Experts predict growing interest in destinations that do not require visas or offer simplified entry — including Georgia, Turkey, and the UAE.