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Brussels – The European Union is moving toward stricter handling of Schengen visas for Russian citizens, with Germany calling for consistent rules across the bloc.
Commission Drafts Tougher Guidelines
The European Commission is reportedly preparing non-binding guidance that would make it harder for Russian nationals to secure short-stay visas. While not an outright ban, the draft would encourage consulates to apply more rigorous screening, especially for tourism and non-essential travel.
The guidance also seeks to establish clearer grounds for refusal in cases where security concerns arise. A parallel proposal, led by Prague and supported by several frontline states, would curb the freedom of movement of Russian diplomats, restricting them to their country of accreditation.
Germany Calls for EU-Wide Rules
Germany has confirmed that it has already tightened its handling of Russian visa applications and is pressing for EU-wide uniformity. Berlin argues that inconsistent practices allow loopholes, as some member states continue to issue visas more freely than others.
Several countries along the EU’s eastern border have already imposed near-total restrictions on non-essential Russian travel. In contrast, others remain more permissive, which has led to “forum shopping” by applicants seeking more lenient jurisdictions.
Rising Demand and New National Measures
Despite the suspension of the EU–Russia visa facilitation agreement in 2022, demand for Schengen visas from Russia has rebounded. Hundreds of thousands of visas were issued in 2024, concentrated in a few destinations.
Spain introduced an airport transit visa requirement for Russian citizens this summer, signaling that more countries are tightening their rules even before EU-level measures are finalized.
What May Change Next
If adopted, the Commission’s guidelines would not mandate automatic refusals but would:
• Require stricter risk assessments
• Align supporting document requirements
• Increase in-person interviews
• Standardize checks on travel purposes
Restrictions on Russian diplomats’ movement would likely proceed through foreign policy mechanisms.
Why It Matters for Travelers
Russian applicants should prepare for closer scrutiny, longer processing times, and reduced approvals for discretionary trips. Humanitarian cases, studies, and family visits would remain possible but with heavier paperwork and stricter oversight.
The EU’s emerging approach aims to reduce uneven practices across consulates rather than impose a one-size-fits-all ban.
Source: SchengenVisaInfo
September 20, 2025
