The European Commission announced new rules for issuing Schengen visas to Russian citizens. According to the decision, Russians will no longer be able to obtain multiple-entry visas, which previously allowed them to make regular trips to EU countries without reapplying to the consulate. Now, each visit will require a new application.

Exceptions are provided for limited categories:
– close relatives of EU citizens or Russians permanently residing in the Schengen area countries;
- sailors, truck and bus drivers, train employees applying for a visa in a professional capacity;
– certain “vulnerable categories” – independent journalists, human rights activists, dissidents.

For these groups, multiple-entry visas may be issued for up to 9–12 months, provided that the applicant has previously legally used several visas.

The reason for the tightening is EU security policy and the desire to strengthen controls over the entry of Russian citizens. The European Commission stated that the new rules will allow for more frequent checks of applicants and reduce potential risks. According to the European Commission, the number of Russians visiting Europe has already declined: while approximately 4 million visas were issued in 2019, in 2024 that number will be only 500–550. Experts believe the introduction of the new restrictions will not lead to a sharp decline in tourist flow, as most visas were previously issued single-entry.