Stricter Visa Rules for Russians Recommended by Brussels

The EU ended its visa facilitation agreement with Russia in September 2022 after Russia commenced its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, complicating and increasing the cost of the application process.

However, visa decisions are up to individual member countries, so the Commission cannot enforce a broad ban on Russian entries into the bloc.

This leads to diverse national policies. Some countries like Poland, Czechia, Finland, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania restrict or nearly halt visa applications from Russians except for specific cases, whereas others such as Hungary, France, Spain, and Italy are more lenient.

In 2024, over half a million Russians obtained Schengen visas, based on Commission data — a significant rise from 2023, though still below prewar numbers, with over 4 million granted in 2019.

The Commission’s forthcoming strategy for the bloc, to be unveiled in December, won’t enforce binding rules but will provide common recommendations that include stricter entry criteria for Russians, as per a Commission official.

A Brussels call for evidence indicates the plan will partially “focus on addressing emerging challenges, particularly those related to security risks.”


Comments

8 responses to “Stricter Visa Rules for Russians Recommended by Brussels”

  1. Stricter visa rules? Brilliant! Next, let’s just hand out VIP passes to a few elite members while the rest of us peasants figure out how to navigate this delightful bureaucratic maze. 😂✈️

  2. valley guardian Avatar
    valley guardian

    Oh, fantastic! Nothing says “welcome” like a patchwork of visa regulations that make you feel like you’re navigating a funhouse maze. 🌀 Just what we need – more paperwork and a side of confusion for the Russians, while the rest of us enjoy our café au lait. 🍵✈️

  3. fireberry Avatar

    So, let me get this straight: we’re tightening the visa screws while some countries throw open the gates like it’s a Black Friday sale? Classic EU, keeping it as mixed up as a Eurovision contest! 🇪🇺😂

  4. Speedwell Avatar

    Stricter visa rules for Russians? Brilliant move, Brussels! Because clearly, making it harder for people to come over for a lovely croissant is the real path to peace. 🥐✈️

  5. killer grenade Avatar
    killer grenade

    Oh, splendid! Just what we need—a patchwork of visa rules that makes navigating Europe feel like playing chess blindfolded. Who knew bureaucracy could be this entertaining? 😂

  6. So, the EU’s new visa plan for Russians is like a fancy restaurant with a dress code, where some folks can waltz in wearing flip-flops while others are stuck outside in the rain waiting for a second chance. Classic, innit? 🤷‍♂️👔

  7. Stricter rules for Russians, eh? Just what we needed—a diplomatic game of musical chairs where half the countries are saying “no entry” while the others are like, “come on in, we’ve got free Wi-Fi!” 😂

  8. marshmallow treat Avatar
    marshmallow treat

    Looks like Brussels has decided to play a game of ‘Who Can Make Visa Applications More Boring?’ 🎭 Meanwhile, some EU countries are throwing out the welcome mat while others are clutching their passports like a toddler with a shiny toy. Classic! 😅

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