EU Imposes Stricter Visa Measures on Russian Nationals Amid Escalating Security Fears

The European Commission has moved to further tighten visa procedures for Russian citizens, announcing the abolition of multiple-entry visas and the introduction of more rigorous checks across all EU member states.

The decision, which Brussels attributes to heightened security concerns linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the rise of “hybrid threats,” marks another escalation in the bloc’s response to Moscow’s continued aggression.

Executive Vice President Henna Virkunen underscored the reasoning behind the new measures, stating: “Russia's illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine continues to pose a serious threat to European security, with increased risks related to sabotage, disinformation and drone incursions into the Union.” She emphasized that the European Union has progressively tightened entry conditions for Russian nationals since the onset of the war, adding, “By further tightening visa rules, we are taking an additional and necessary step to ensure the security of the European Union and its citizens.”

High Representative Kaya Kalas echoed this stance, linking the decision to recent incidents that have raised security alarms within the EU. In a post, Kalas remarked: “Starting a war and expecting to move freely in Europe is difficult to justify.” Referring to “repeated drone disturbances and sabotage on European soil,” she asserted that “travel to the EU is a privilege, not a given.”

According to Home Affairs and Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner, visa applications submitted by Russian nationals will now face “enhanced verification procedures and increased levels of control.” Brunner noted that these strengthened procedures are designed to “contribute to the integrity and security of the Schengen area.”

What’s changing under the new framework

Under the revised system, multiple-entry visas for Russian nationals are being completely eliminated, meaning that travelers will have to apply for a new visa for each trip. Every application will undergo stricter scrutiny, with additional verification requirements in place.

The European Commission clarified that exceptions will exist for specific categories, including independent journalists, academics, civil society activists, and Russians who maintain close family connections with EU citizens.

Importantly, these new rules will not affect Russian nationals who already possess valid multiple-entry visas within the EU. However, the Commission stressed that the new verification and control procedures must be implemented uniformly across all member states to prevent any attempts at circumvention.

Commission spokesman for migration Markus Lammert explained that the updated approach will allow authorities to conduct “closer and more frequent checks on applicants in order to mitigate any security risks.”

According to figures from the European Commission cited by CNA, the number of visas issued to Russian citizens has fallen dramatically since 2022—from approximately four million annually before the war to just 500,000. Nonetheless, some member states, including Hungary, France, Spain, and Italy, registered a modest 10% increase in visa issuance. This uneven trend, officials said, prompted Brussels to re-evaluate the overall visa framework for Russian nationals.

Limited impact expected for Cyprus

Cyprus, which operates under a partially separate visa framework, expects a minimal short-term effect from the new EU restrictions. Foreign Ministry spokesman Theodoros Gotsis said that the “immediate impact on Cyprus is expected to be limited,” explaining that the country already issues national multiple-entry visas valid only for entry into Cyprus. By contrast, multiple-entry Schengen visas allow travel throughout the Schengen area and indirectly provide access to Cyprus under current arrangements.

Nonetheless, Cypriot consulates will now apply tighter controls on visa applications in line with the Commission’s updated guidance.

Tourism already affected by the war

Officials note that Russian tourist arrivals to Cyprus have already dropped sharply since 2022, primarily due to sanctions and flight restrictions stemming from the war. The latest EU decision, therefore, is not expected to cause a significant further reduction in the number of Russian visitors to the island.

With these latest measures, the European Union aims to reinforce border integrity while signaling that, in the words of Kaya Kalas, “travel to the EU is a privilege, not a given.”

By fLEXI tEAM