Overview
- Russians must now apply for a new visa for each trip across the Schengen area, which includes countries such as Switzerland and Norway.
- All applications from Russian citizens will face enhanced vetting and higher control standards, according to Home Affairs and Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner.
- Limited exceptions apply to close relatives of EU or Schengen residents and certain transport workers, with any multi‑entry validity tightly capped and contingent on prior compliant visas.
- Existing Schengen visas remain valid, and the Commission underscores it cannot impose a blanket ban because visa issuance is a member‑state competence.
- The change is tied to the EU’s 19th sanctions package on Russia, with Brussels coordinating implementation and flagging Hungary’s national entry permits as a concern.