EU member states divided over Russian tourist visas

European Union member states are divided over the issuance of tourist visas to Russian nationals. The debate has intensified following a security incident in Leipzig, where a Belarusian individual holding a Russian passport is under investigation for an alleged attempt to attack a Ukrainian cargo plane using explosive-laden drones. The suspect reportedly entered the Schengen Area using a tourist visa issued by Italy.

Diplomats have expressed frustration regarding a non-public report on the Schengen Area circulated by the European Commission, which omitted standard data concerning visas issued to Russian citizens. Approximately nine EU countries have questioned this omission. While Nordic and Baltic governments have advocated for stricter visa restrictions for security reasons, other nations, including France and Italy, continue to issue visas in significant numbers.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas previously indicated that the EU is working toward more targeted restrictions on Russian visas, though the issue remains politically sensitive within the bloc.