Moscow Fires Back After EU Slammed Door on Multi-Entry Visas for Russians

Moscow Condemns EU Visa Restrictions, Cites Preference for "Migrants on Benefits"

Moscow has sharply criticized the European Union's latest move to restrict visas for Russian nationals, framing the decision as a preference for "migrants on benefits" over "solvent tourists." The European Commission announced on Friday a complete ban on issuing new multiple-entry Schengen visas to most Russians, now only granting single-entry visas, requiring travelers to apply each time they wish to enter the EU.

Moscow Fires Back After EU Slammed Door on Multi-E...

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, speaking to RIA Novosti, questioned the rationale behind the restriction. She suggested that Brussels prioritizes providing for "illegal migrants and Ukrainian draft dodgers living on benefits" over welcoming Russian tourists who contribute to the economy.

The EU justifies the measure as

The EU justifies the measure as part of a broader effort to curb Russian arrivals, citing concerns over the "weaponization of migration, acts of sabotage and potential misuse of visas." This rationale reflects growing anxieties within the bloc regarding security and potential destabilization linked to Russian citizens.

While the ban on multiple-entry visas is comprehensive, limited exceptions will apply. Close family members of EU nationals, including spouses, registered partners, and children under 21, will still be eligible for visas. Transport workers, such as seafarers and truck drivers, may also qualify for nine-month visas, acknowledging the need for essential personnel to cross borders.

Even before the formal ban, the Russian Union of the Travel Industry (RST) noted a significant decline in the issuance of multiple-entry Schengen visas to Russian travelers, with the majority now granted to business travelers. The EU has been gradually tightening visa restrictions for Russians since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, including suspending a visa facilitation agreement and increasing application scrutiny.

The EU's 19th package of sanctions,

The EU's 19th package of sanctions, adopted last month, also restricted the movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen Area, requiring them to notify member states in advance of any travel plans.

While the European Commission cannot enforce a complete ban on Russian visitors across the board, it has urged member states to adopt stricter entry criteria. The response to this call has been varied. Some countries, particularly the Baltic states and Poland, have implemented outright bans on Russian tourists. Conversely, nations like Greece, Hungary, France, Spain, and Italy continue to issue visas and have expressed reservations about restricting travel for ordinary Russian citizens. This division highlights the ongoing debate within the EU regarding the appropriate response to the situation in Ukraine and its impact on relations with Russia.