Overview
- The Commission said the rule took effect Nov. 7 and requires Russians to apply for a new single‑entry visa for each trip, with existing multi‑entry permits remaining valid.
- Limited exceptions allow multiple‑entry documents for close family of EU residents and certain transport workers, as well as dissidents, independent journalists and human‑rights defenders.
- Visa issuance remains a national competence, so member‑state consulates will apply the policy and the Commission cannot impose a blanket halt on visas for Russians.
- EU officials linked the change to increased security concerns tied to Russia’s war in Ukraine, citing sabotage, drone disruptions and potential misuse of visas.
- The move accompanies planned restrictions on Russian diplomats’ movements and follows a drop in Schengen visas for Russians from about 4 million in 2019 to roughly 500,000 in 2023, while Moscow denounced the decision.