European Commission signals further Russian visa restrictions

The European Commission will continue work on restrictions affecting visas for Russian citizens and is preparing a wider visa-rule reform for early 2027, spokesperson Markus Lammert said at an October 19 briefing.

Lammert said restricting visa issuance had been a Commission and EU priority since 2022. National authorities decide individual applications, while the Commission can introduce common measures.

He recalled 2022 recommendations to deprioritize Russian visa applications and increase security scrutiny. He said the Commission monitors their implementation and urges member states to follow them.

Lammert also said measures were being prepared to implement ministers’ decision on sanctions against combatants. No specific new tourist restrictions or implementation dates were announced at the briefing.

In September 2022, the EU Council suspended the visa facilitation agreement with Russia. The decision, effective September 12, raised the fee from 35 euros to 80 euros and tightened documentation, processing and multiple-entry visa requirements.

In November 2025, the Commission restricted new multiple-entry Schengen visas for Russians. Exceptions remained for certain close relatives and transport workers meeting the specified conditions.