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EU tightens visa rules for Russians: New rules from January 2025!
The EU is tightening visa rules for Russians in response to security risks caused by the war in Ukraine. New requirements apply from January 2025.
EU tightens visa rules for Russians: New rules from January 2025!
On November 7, 2025, the European Union once again tightened its visa rules for Russian citizens. This decision was formulated in response to the ongoing security risks resulting from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The new rules mean that Russians will no longer be able to apply for visas for multiple entries into the Schengen area. Instead, they must apply for a separate visa for each planned trip. This means a significant difficulty for many when entering the EU, where around 542,000 short-stay visas from Russia have been issued so far last year, which represents an increase compared to 2023, but a decrease compared to the 2019 figures.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas explained that these measures are intended to protect both the security of European citizens and the integrity of the EU borders. It is no longer justifiable for a country to wage war while expecting its citizens to travel freely. Interior Commissioner Magnus Brunner announced additional verification procedures and controls for visa applications in order to minimize potential risks such as the instrumentalization of migration or acts of sabotage. However, there are important exceptions: people with close relatives in the EU as well as truck drivers and workers in passenger and freight transport are not affected by these new regulations.
Frustration in the Eastern EU
The decision comes at a time when many citizens in eastern EU states are frustrated by rich Russian tourists vacationing in the EU, while many people in neighboring Ukraine are suffering from the war. This is causing tempers to run high in the region and has led to a loud call for stricter borders to ensure the safety of economies and people.
The EU's stricter visa rules also include restrictions on the freedom of movement for Russian diplomats. From January 25th, they must now register travel between member states at least 24 hours in advance. Another sign of the changing security situation in Europe, which is increasingly characterized by hybrid warfare on the part of Russia.
Amid these restrictions, Russian opposition politician Yulia Navalnaya expressed sharp criticism. She called the new regulations a "serious mistake" and argued that the measure would only further support the Russian government's narrative. Her voice undermines discussions about the appropriateness of these measures and highlights the complex situation in which many citizens find themselves.
The new emergency regulation could have a significant impact on the travel plans of many Russians who want to travel to the EU for both private and business purposes. These developments shed a scrupulous light on European policy in dealing with its Russian neighbor and leave many questions unanswered as to what will happen in the future.