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EU weighs scaled-back visa ban on former Russian military personnel, with Italy and France opposing stricter restrictions <p>EU member states are negotiating a scaled-back visa ban on Russian military personnel after Italy and France objected to the original proposal, Euronews reports. Under the revised measure, restrictions would apply only to short-term visas and only to those who took direct part in the war in Ukraine.<p>

European Commission denies preparing a full ban on Russian tourist visas <p>The European Commission is not preparing a full ban on Schengen visas for Russian citizens, the Russian state news agency TASS reported, citing the Commission’s press service.<p>

Explainer: Why is EU planning to ban visas only for Russian soldiers, and not for all Russians? The European Commission announced on June 9 that a visa ban targeting current and former Russian soldiers should be part of the EU's next sanctions package, >> kyivindependent.com/explainer-wh...

Explainer: Why is EU planning to ban visas only for Russian soldiers, and not for all Russians? The European Commission announced on June 9 that a visa ban targeting current and former Russian soldiers should be part of the EU's next sanctions package, sparking a debate on soc...

EU Commission to Ban Multiple-entry Schengen visas for Russian citizens The European Commission has banned multiple-entry Schengen visas for Russian citizens living in Russia due to security concerns from Russia's aggression in Ukraine, allowing limited exceptions for family, transport workers, and trusted individuals. Date: 09/11/2025 Author: Eurasia Business News 0 Comments By Anthony Marcus for Eurasia Business News, November 8, 2025. Article no 1889 The European Commission has introduced a ban on issuing multiple-entry Schengen visas to Russian citizens residing in Russia, effective in November 2025. Russian nationals must now apply for a new single-entry visa for each trip to the EU. This policy aims to allow closer and more frequent scrutiny of applicants due to increased security risks linked to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including sabotage, migration weaponization, disinformation, and espionage threats. Exceptions to this ban include: Close family members of Russians legally residing in the EU and family members of EU citizens, who may receive multiple-entry visas valid for up to one year. Transport workers (e.g., sailors, truck drivers, train crew) can re…

Explainer: Why is EU planning to ban visas only for Russian soldiers, and not for all Russians? Europe Explainer: Why is EU planning to ban visas only for Russian soldiers, and not for all Russians? June 11, 2026 8:31 pm • 3 min read Prefer on Google by Chris Powers Russian soldiers during the rehearsal of Victory Day military parade at Red Square in Moscow, Russia on April 29, 2025 (Sefa Karacan/Anadolu via Getty Images) The European Commission announced on June 9 that a visa ban targeting current and former Russian soldiers should be part of the EU's next sanctions package, sparking a debate on social media about why the measure targets only military personnel. The Kyiv Independent explains why the proposal is limited to Russian combatants and whether more sweeping restrictions could follow. Nordic and Baltic countries proposed already in February and March that the EU should ban entry for ex-Russian soldiers, noting that they could play a role in Moscow's shadow war against Europe . The idea has gained traction in EU circles, leading to the proposal being included in the EU's 21st package of sanctions against Russia, which is hoped to be adopted in July. "Europe's door should n…

EU Discusses Full Ban on Tourist Visas for Russians In Brussels, the possibility of a complete suspension oftourist visa issuance to Russian citizensis being discussed,Izvestiareports. The initiative is part of a broader debate on tightening EU policy. The issue has already caused disagreements within Europe, affecting not only legal restrictions but also the economic interests of individual member states. The European Commission has previously proposed restricting entry into the EU for all individuals who have served in the Russian armed forces since February 2022. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that such measures could potentially affect millions of people. A proposal to ban tourist visas for Russians has also been put forward by the CDU/CSU faction in the European Parliament. Disagreements persist within the EU, as visa policy falls under the competence of member states, while the European Commission can only coordinate rules and issue recommendations. Italy and France fear that such an approach could effectively lead to a full closure of entry for all Russian citizens. The United Kingdom supports tightening measures and is cooperating with European …

EU's new visa rules for Russians: restrictions and exceptions News 2025.11.10 11:18 EU’s new visa rules for Russians: restrictions and exceptions 14 EL Evaldas Labanauskas, LRT.lt 2025.11.10 11:18 A European Union flag in Moscow | AFP / Scanpix The European Commission announced Friday that it is tightening the rules for issuing Schengen visas to Russian citizens, eliminating the option for multiple-entry visas in response to Moscow’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine and related hybrid threats. Under the new policy, Russian citizens will no longer be eligible for multiple-entry visas allowing repeated travel to the European Union. Instead, they will need to apply for a new visa each time they plan to visit the bloc. The Commission said the change will enable more frequent and thorough security checks, reducing potential risks. “Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has created the most dangerous security environment in Europe in decades,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas in a statement. “We are facing unprecedented drone disruptions and sabotage incidents across our territory. It is our duty to protect our citizens. Travel to the EU and free movement within the EU are priv…

Explainer: Why is EU planning to ban visas only for Russian soldiers, and not for all Russians? The European Commission announced on June 9 that a visa ban targeting current and former Russian soldiers should be part of the EU's next sanctions package, sparking a debate on social media about why the measure targets only military personnel. The Kyiv Independent explains why the proposal is limited to Russian combatants and whether more sweeping restrictions could follow. Nordic and Baltic countries proposed already in February and March that the EU should ban entry for ex-Russian soldiers

Italy against banning Russians from entering Europe — TASS diplomatic source According to earlier reports, the European Commission is preparing to tighten the EU's visa policy this fall by introducing new criteria meant to prohibit citizens of Russia, Belarus, and Iran from entering the EU as a tourist