EU ministers call for stricter visas for Russian tourists

Interior and foreign affairs ministers from Sweden, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Iceland sent a joint letter to the European Commission urging tighter visa rules for Russian citizens travelling to the Schengen area. They argue that the current visa‑facilitation agreement, suspended by the EU in 2022 after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, should be reinforced with binding, coordinated controls to prevent abuse and to block former Russian combatants.

The ministers noted that Italy, France and Spain have issued the most visas to Russians, and warned that the growing flow of Russian tourists to European beaches and resorts undermines the credibility of the EU's foreign‑policy and sanctions regime. They called for a “coherent and coordinated” approach, citing security concerns and the need for consistent implementation across member states.