EU Weighs Full Ban on Russian Tourists in Next Sanctions Package

International

Commission considers binding restrictions on tourist visas amid Ukraine war

The European Commission is weighing a full ban on Russian tourists entering the EU as part of its upcoming 19th sanctions package against Moscow over the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The toughest restriction yet?

If implemented, the measure would represent the bloc’s strictest travel restriction on Russian citizens since the start of the conflict. It would require unanimous approval from all 27 member states.

The proposal was reportedly pushed by Poland, Finland, and the Baltic states, which have consistently called for tighter controls on Russian travelers. However, several countries with strong tourism ties to Russia — including Italy, Spain, Greece, and France — as well as Moscow-friendly Hungary, may resist a full ban.

Two possible approaches

According to EU sources, the Commission is considering:

· Non-binding guidance urging member states to limit tourist visas following this summer’s surge in Russian arrivals.

· A binding legal ban included in the sanctions package, which would be more difficult to pass but enforceable across the bloc.

Commission figures show that more than 500,000 Russian nationals were granted Schengen visas in 2024, a significant increase from the previous year despite the war.

Broader sanctions and security concerns

The 19th package, initially expected this week but delayed, will extend measures already targeting Russian banks, energy exports, and Kremlin-linked individuals.

In parallel, countries such as the Czech Republic and Latvia are also pressing for new limits on Russian diplomatic travel within the Schengen area, citing security risks after recent expulsions of Russian agents operating under diplomatic cover.