Poland urges EU to stop issuing Schengen tourist visas to Russians

Poland wants European governments to stop granting Schengen tourist visas to Russian citizens. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski made the demand in Warsaw on Friday, 6 November, after an informal meeting of the foreign ministers of the Council of the Baltic Sea States and Ukraine.

He linked the request to Russia's war against Ukraine, arguing that Russian nationals should not keep free movement across Europe while the conflict continues. His call also covered tighter sanctions and new restrictions on specific groups of Russian travellers.

Key facts

• Poland is calling for an end to Schengen tourist visas for Russian citizens and further restrictions on Kremlin-linked individuals, Russian athletes and veterans who fought against Ukraine.
• Sikorski said Russian citizens received 623,000 Schengen visas in 2025, of which 84% were issued for tourism.
• Poland issued 100 visas to Russians in the same period, mainly to political dissidents on humanitarian grounds, he said.
• Warsaw announced 8 million zlotys ($2 million) through the Energy Community for generators for Ukraine.
• Nearly 2,000 Polish troops are to join the KOALICJA 26.2 exercises from 9 to 22 November.

What is Poland asking for on Russian visas?

Sikorski called for European governments to stop issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens. He questioned why Russian nationals still enjoyed freedom of movement across Europe while Russia wages war against Ukraine, and argued that a country "trying to destroy the European Union from within" should not have those privileges.

He also urged further restrictions on Kremlin-linked individuals, Russian athletes and veterans who fought against Ukraine. These are proposals from Poland's foreign minister; the source does not report any European decision adopting them, and no start date or application procedure has been announced.

What did Sikorski say about peace talks?

Speaking after the Warsaw meeting, which was attended by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Sikorski set out a strict order for ending the war: "First, a ceasefire, then negotiations on lasting peace" — and only afterwards any discussion of Europe's security architecture and arms control.

He said no solution could be imposed on Ukraine without its consent and participation, and that Europe's security could not be discussed without the involvement of the affected countries. He stressed that states on NATO's eastern flank would be particularly affected by any agreement and must have a voice in shaping it.

His remarks came as Washington prepares to mediate talks between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi next week, with the Trump administration proposing a broader European security framework involving Moscow. Sikorski said Ukraine should not negotiate under pressure from attacks on civilians.

What else did Poland announce?

Beyond the visa demand, Sikorski called for tougher sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet and the companies supporting it, closer cooperation from technology companies and social media platforms against cyberattacks and information warfare, and continued efforts to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's defence and reconstruction.

He pledged an additional 8 million zlotys ($2 million) through the Energy Community to buy generators for Ukraine ahead of winter, and highlighted Poland's role in the Coalition of the Willing, with nearly 2,000 Polish troops taking part in the multinational KOALICJA 26.2 exercises from 9 to 22 November. The drills involve forces from Poland and 11 other countries and prepare for a possible multinational deployment to support Ukraine after a cessation of hostilities. Poland will also lead support operations for the multinational force.

What this means for travellers

For now, Sikorski's remarks are a policy demand rather than a rule in force. Russian nationals considering Schengen travel, and anyone tracking European visa policy, should watch for whether European governments adopt the proposed end to tourist visas and any additional restrictions on the groups he named.

Talks between Ukraine and Russia are due in Abu Dhabi next week, while the KOALICJA 26.2 exercises run from 9 to 22 November.