World · Europe · 8 hrs ago
EU plans proposal to tighten visa rules for Russian visitors in 2027
The European Commission is preparing a proposal to tighten visa rules for Russians who visit EU countries, with a plan to present it in January 2027.
The move follows calls from countries including Poland, Sweden and Estonia for tougher restrictions.
Estonia has proposed barring former members of Russia’s armed forces from entering the EU on a case-by-case basis, estimating that about 650,000 people could be affected.
Sweden says current visa arrangements pose a security risk amid concerns about Russian sabotage and other hybrid threats.
In 2025, Russians received about 478,000 tourist Schengen visas, many of them allowing multiple visits.
The Commission can recommend changes, but visa policy is decided by EU member states, and binding rules would require approval by all of them.
Other countries plan to raise the issue at an EU foreign ministers’ meeting on October 12, while the proposed restrictions’ details remain unknown.
The European Commission is preparing a proposal to tighten Schengen visa rules for Russians, with plans expected in 2027.
The restrictions could affect hundreds of thousands of Russians who visit EU countries as tourists.
The proposal’s details have not been disclosed, and it would need approval from all EU member states to become binding.
Sweden, Poland and Estonia support tighter rules, while Finland’s prime minister has called for ending visa issuance to Russian citizens.
Eurostat data cited by TASS show that EU countries issued 620,000 Schengen visas to Russians in 2025, including 478,000 tourist visas.
- Who
- The European Commission is preparing the proposal; EU member states would have to approve it for it to become binding.
- What
- Tighter Schengen visa rules for Russians are being considered.
- When
- The proposal is expected in 2027, reportedly in January.
- Where
- The rules would apply to travel to EU countries in the Schengen area.
- Why
- Supporters cite security concerns and alleged Russian hybrid threats.
Supporters of tighter rules
Opponents of tighter rules
Security
Supporters of tighter rules
Sweden’s justice minister said the visa system poses a threat to Europe’s security amid concerns about sabotage, arson and other forms of hybrid warfare.
Opponents of tighter rules
No opposing side’s view is stated in the sources.
Restrictions
Supporters of tighter rules
Estonia proposed an individual ban on former Russian armed forces personnel entering the EU, and Finland’s prime minister called for stopping visas for Russian citizens.
Opponents of tighter rules
No opposing side’s view is stated in the sources.
this system represents a security threat to Europe
Europe should stop issuing visas to Russian citizens
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the number of visas for Russians should be reduced, citing a suspect in an incident involving a drone at Leipzig airport who entered the EU on an Italian tourist visa.
European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert said the Commission would seek a further reduction in the number of visas for Russian citizens.
Finland’s prime minister Petteri Orpo said on the Ykkösaamu television programme that Europe should stop issuing visas to Russian citizens.
Reports said the European Commission was preparing tighter visa rules, with a proposal expected in 2027.
- Expected proposal
- January 2027
- Russian Schengen visas issued in 2025
- 620,000
- Tourist visas issued in 2025
- 478,000
- Increase in visas from 2024 to 2025
- 10.2%
- Former Russian military personnel cited by Estonia
- About 650,000
Sources
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