Overview
- Effective immediately, most Russian applicants will receive single-entry permits only, with enhanced verification required for each trip.
- The Commission says the change allows close and frequent checks to reduce risks tied to espionage, sabotage and drone incidents linked to the war in Ukraine.
- Limited exceptions permit multiple-entry visas for close family of EU citizens, Russians legally residing in the bloc, vetted dissidents and independent journalists, and certain professionals; existing multi-entry visas remain valid.
- Visa issuance remains a national competence, with implementation dependent on member-state decisions and endorsement through the Schengen Visa Committee.
- The step is bundled into the EU’s 19th sanctions package that also plans to restrict Russian diplomats’ movements through advance-notice requirements, while Moscow publicly condemned the move.