The European Union has today officially announced the tightening of visa rules for Russian citizens, highlighting growing concerns about hostile activities, the use of drones and acts of sabotage on European territory. In a statement made on the X platform, the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Kaja Kallas, stressed that this decision reflects a clear political position of the European Union in the face of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
“It is difficult to justify starting a war and expecting to move freely in Europe,” Kallas wrote. “Traveling in the EU is a privilege, not an acquired right.”
According to the official document of the European Commission, the new measure significantly limits the issuance of multiple-entry visas to Russian citizens, forcing them to undergo stricter and more frequent security checks. The aim, according to Brussels, is to prevent the risks of infiltration, espionage, propaganda and the use of visas for activities supporting the war.
New visa rules
According to the regulation, the restrictions will apply to Russian citizens residing in Russia and applying for visas at EU consulates within Russian territory. The measure does not affect foreign citizens residing in Russia, unless they also hold a Russian passport.
The only categories that can benefit from long-term visas are:
Close family members of EU citizens or Russians legally residing in the EU – spouses, minor children and parents – who can obtain a one-year visa, only if they have used three visas over the past two years.
Transport workers (sailors, truck drivers, bus drivers or train crews) who travel for work reasons – can obtain a nine-month visa, if they have used two visas in the last two years.
Beyond these exceptions, EU member states retain the right to grant special visas to political dissidents, independent journalists, human rights activists or persons seeking protection on humanitarian grounds.
Russia's reaction
Moscow reacted immediately to Brussels' decision. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the move as "hypocritical and discriminatory," accusing the European Commission of ideological stances against Russian citizens.
In a statement to the TASS agency, Zakharova said in ironic tones:
“The European Commission prefers to welcome illegal immigrants and Ukrainian defectors living on subsidies, rather than Russian tourists with spending power.”
"Apparently, Brussels has decided that it is better to keep illegal immigrants than tourists who bring money."
Another step towards escalation
Today's decision is seen as an escalation of the EU's stance on Russia, following a series of new economic sanctions and restrictions on energy, finance and technology. European officials say the aim is not to punish ordinary citizens but to prevent the visa system from being used for purposes that undermine European security.
