Emerging
Jun 18, 20261
69%
EU Considers Revoking Schengen Visas and Residency Permits Issued to Russian Citizens
The EU is considering revoking or modifying Schengen visas and residency permits granted to Russian citizens, targeting those who worked for Russian companies or supported Russia's military operations. While the European Commission already banned new multi-entry visas in November, EU countries are debating whether to stop issuing tourist visas entirely, despite having issued over 620,000 visas to Russian citizens in 2025.
.jpg_2026_05_08_19_44_28.jpg_2026_06_11_19_11_35.jpg_2026_06_18_09_11_00.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Quick Facts
Who
European Union member states
What
Reviewing and potentially revoking Schengen visas and residency permits for Russian citizens
When
Since spring 2026 (discussions ongoing)
Where
European Union countries
- Reviewing and potentially revoking Schengen visas and residency permits for Russian citizens
- Proposing to halt issuance of tourist Schengen visas to Russian nationals
- European Commission ban on multi-entry Schengen visas
- Issuing single-entry visas requiring reapplication for each visit
- European Union member states
European Union member states are examining the possibility of revoking or modifying the status of Schengen visas and residency permits (ВНЖ) previously granted to Russian citizens. According to ТАСС, discussions on this proposal have been ongoing since spring, though EU countries have not yet reached consensus on specific restrictions. The targeted measures would apply to Russian citizens who previously worked for Russian companies or publicly expressed support for Russia's military operations.
In November, the European Commission announced a ban on issuing new multi-entry Schengen visas to Russian citizens, requiring them to apply for a new visa each time they wish to enter EU countries. This policy has not stopped visa issuance entirely—EU countries issued over 620,000 visas to Russian citizens in 2025, representing a 10.2% increase compared to 2024. France issued the most visas, though it opposed publication of the statistics. Approximately 77% of visas issued were for tourism purposes.
Last week, members of the European Parliament from Germany's ruling CDU/CSU bloc proposed halting the issuance of Schengen tourist visas to Russians altogether. The MEPs cited 2025 statistics showing approximately 500,000 Russian citizens vacationed in EU countries and argued that access to the EU should be considered a "privilege, not a right" for Russian nationals. France, Italy, and Spain remain the most popular EU destinations for Russian tourists.
The discussion reflects broader EU tensions with Russia and represents an escalation beyond existing restrictions on Russian diplomats in Brussels. While the proposal has been circulating since early spring, member states have struggled to coordinate a unified response, indicating divisions within the bloc on how aggressively to pursue visa policy restrictions.
Why This Matters
This visa policy escalation directly impacts millions of Russian citizens' access to Europe and signals deepening EU-Russia tensions beyond diplomatic channels. For businesses operating across EU-Russia borders, investors, and travelers, the potential revocation of existing permits introduces legal uncertainty and potential restrictions on mobility. The fragmented EU response also highlights geopolitical divisions that could affect future sanctions coordination and cross-border mobility policies globally.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2025
WireEU countries issue over 620,000 visas to Russian citizens, including 477,000 tourism visas
Jun 18, 2026
WireТАСС reports on ongoing EU discussions regarding visa and residency permit review