Full Breakdown
EU Nations Call for Stricter Tourist Visa Rules for Russian Citizens
6/4/2026, 9:26:24 PM
EU Push for Stricter Russian Tourist Visas
On 4 June 2026, Sweden and ten other European states sent a joint letter to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and migration commissioner Magnus Brunner urging the Commission to tighten and harmonise Schengen tourist-visa rules for Russian citizens. The signatories argue that Russian tourists undermine EU sanctions and security policy.
Context: Visa Policy Since 2022
Since the February 2022 invasion, the EU suspended the 2007 visa-facilitation agreement with Russia, raising Schengen visa fees from €35 to €90 and requirements. In 2023 the Commission issued guidelines to curb non-essential travel by Russian nationals, but member states have applied them unevenly.
Signatory Countries and Officials
The letter was signed by ministers from Sweden, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and Poland, and addressed to Kaja Kallas and Magnus Brunner. Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski and Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski are spokespersons.
Visa Issuance Data
The signatories note that 477,878 Schengen visas were issued to Russian citizens in 2025, up from 440,558 in 2024 – the highest level since the invasion. Before the war, more than four million visas were granted annually. France, Italy and Spain issue the majority of Russian tourist visas.
EU Commission Position
The Commission has issued guidance on limiting travel by Russian nationals. At the Luxembourg interior-ministers meeting on 4 June, officials discussed a proposal that could be presented in 2026 and adopted in 2027, requiring a majority of 55 % of states representing 65 % of the EU population. The draft could be framed to cover countries violating standards, without naming Russia.
Criticism and Russian Response
Russian officials have called the EU “anti-Russian hysteria” and accused it of discrimination. Analysts note that France, Italy and Spain – the main issuers of Russian visas – could block a Russia-specific rule. The letter also says no changes are expected before summer, so the surge may continue.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources differ on when restrictions could apply. One report expects a proposal later in 2026 with adoption in 2027; another says no amendment before the next summer. Signatories also did not disclose how many of the 477,878 visas are multiple-entry, a security concern.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think it’s insane, frankly speaking, that we are seeing hundreds of thousands of Russian tourists coming to Europe, enjoying sunshine,” — Johan Forssell, Swedish Migration Minister
- “It has been deeply troubling to witness increasing numbers of Russian tourists enjoying leisure travel on European beaches and in European resorts while missiles and drones continue to strike civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine,” — Joint letter of the eleven signatory countries
- “In times of geopolitical confrontation, the strength of the European Union lies in its unity,” — Radoslaw Sikorski, Polish Foreign Minister
- “The uneven implementation of these guidelines across Member States leaves much to be desired, as it lacks both solidarity and consistency.” — Joint letter of the eleven signatory countries
