Czech minister says most EU states oppose Russian tourist visa ban

Most European Union countries do not support a bloc-wide ban on tourist visas for Russians, Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka told Seznam.

Macinka said Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania had joined Finland’s initiative. The Czech Republic did not back it because Prague had already supported a similar Estonian proposal during the summer, which failed to win EU-wide approval. He therefore does not expect a common EU decision.

In September 2022, the EU Council suspended its visa facilitation agreement with Russia. The fee then rose from 35 euros to 80 euros and the standard application processing period increased from 10 to 15 days. Documentation requirements and rules for multiple-entry visas also became stricter.

In November 2025, the European Commission restricted new multiple-entry Schengen visas for Russians. Exceptions remained, including for certain relatives of Russians living in the EU and transport workers. The rules took effect on November 8.

In June 2026, the Commission said it was not preparing a complete tourist visa ban for Russian citizens.