Visa Rules for Russian Tourists Unchanged After Latvia's Push for EU Action

Latvia is calling on the European Union to ban tourist visas for Russian citizens across the bloc, with Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs pressing Brussels and other European capitals to adopt a common position. The proposal has not been adopted, so entry and visa rules for Russian travellers remain unchanged for now.

Key facts

• Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs is seeking an EU-wide ban on tourist visas for Russian citizens.
• He criticised continued tourist visa issuance by countries including France, Italy and Spain.
• The EU suspended its visa facilitation agreement with Russia in September 2022, but did not prohibit short-stay visas.
• In November 2025, the European Commission added restrictions on multiple-entry visas for some Russian travellers.
• No start date has been announced, because the Latvian proposal has not been agreed.

What is being proposed?

Kulbergs wants all EU member states to stop granting tourist visas to Russian nationals, rather than leaving each country to decide. He argues that continued visa issuance by some Schengen countries weakens the restrictions imposed by states bordering Russia, since the consequences extend beyond the countries granting entry.

The plan would go considerably further than anything the EU has introduced since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

What rules apply to Russian travellers now?

The European Union suspended its visa facilitation agreement with Russia in September 2022, ending the preferential conditions previously available to Russian applicants. The Council's decision brought more demanding documentation requirements, higher application fees and stricter scrutiny, but it did not prohibit Russian citizens from obtaining short-stay visas.

National authorities therefore keep considerable discretion when assessing applications, subject to common Schengen rules. In November 2025, the European Commission introduced additional restrictions on multiple-entry visas, requiring the Russian travellers covered by the new rules to apply again for subsequent visits. The EU has also agreed a legal basis for restrictions targeting Russian military personnel and former combatants involved in the invasion of Ukraine, although implementation requires further measures.

Why is Latvia pushing for this?

Latvia shares borders with Russia and Belarus and has warned that the risks extend beyond conventional military threats. European governments have investigated incidents involving suspected sabotage, cyber operations, intelligence gathering and interference with transport infrastructure, and such concerns have intensified following drone incursions and security alerts affecting NATO's eastern members.

Supporters of tighter restrictions say limiting discretionary entry could reduce opportunities for hostile activity and simplify security screening. Opponents question whether a nationality-based prohibition would be proportionate or effective, noting that intelligence operations may involve people travelling under other nationalities or using established residency arrangements. The source also notes that the activities identified by European intelligence agencies do not establish that ordinary Russian tourists are collectively involved in intelligence operations.

What would still have to be decided?

A comprehensive tourist visa ban would require agreement on its scope, legal basis and implementation. Governments would have to determine how it applies to Russian citizens with family members in the EU, people travelling for humanitarian purposes and individuals seeking protection from the Russian authorities. Humanitarian exceptions would be particularly important for Russian dissidents and independent journalists facing political persecution.

The EU Visa Code already allows refusals where applicants present security risks, but a general prohibition based on nationality would be a different policy decision. France has supported restrictions on entry by Russian combatants, and other member states are considering further measures, but that does not mean they back Latvia's broader proposal covering ordinary tourists.

What this means for travellers

Nothing changes immediately: the proposal has not been adopted as an EU-wide rule. Russian citizens applying for short-stay Schengen visas continue to face the tougher documentation, higher fees and stricter screening in place since September 2022, and some travellers have had to reapply after the November 2025 multiple-entry changes. Travellers with EU-based family, humanitarian travel or protection claims should watch how any exemptions are defined, as these points remain unresolved.

Until member states agree, European countries will continue to apply different policies within a shared Schengen system. Kulbergs is also seeking greater European financial assistance for countries facing economic and security consequences from their proximity to Russia and Belarus.