Three European nations moved in parallel to tighten travel controls for Russian visitors. Finland proposed six options aimed at curbing visa access, including restricting entry for relatives of residents for legitimate reasons and revoking visas that have already been issued. Estonia already halted visa and residence permit processing and further tightened rules governing employment for Russians. Poland endorsed the tougher approach taken by its partners and reaffirmed its commitment to broad sanctions. Earlier moves had been announced by Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Denmark.
Details about Finland’s plan surfaced through Finnish public broadcaster YLE, which cited Jussi Tanner, head of the consular section at the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Tanner outlined six potential restrictions on Russian tourism activity.
Among the options raised by Tanner was the possibility of a full visa ban for Russian nationals, a move that would conflict with EU law and Schengen rules, which require visas to be issued in certain categories under national assessments. Other proposals included reducing the number of visa applications processed, and permitting relatives of residents to enter for compelling reasons such as funerals or medical treatment.
Tanner also mentioned the potential cancellation of all previously issued visas, a move that would violate EU and Finnish norms. The sixth option contemplated a coordinated EU decision that would guide Finland’s tourism policy in a unified direction.
On July 15, Finland reopened its border with Russia, with roughly 7,000 Russian tourists entering the country shortly thereafter.
On July 28, the European Commission stated that a complete ban on Schengen visas for Russian citizens could not be imposed unilaterally. The commission emphasized that visa evaluation remains within the jurisdiction of individual member states, and that visas must still be accessible to specific categories of travelers.
Tallinn ban
On July 28, the Estonian government approved new limits that prevent holders of Russian passports from applying for temporary residence or visas for study in the country. The measure also clarifies previous sanctions and strengthens enforcement of migration rules.
In addition, short-term employment will no longer be registered for Russians and Belarusians who hold a residence permit issued by another EU member state. Long-term visas tied to short-term work will also be denied under the updated policy.
“This change puts an end to the practice of requesting short-term Schengen visas in another member state for tourism or similar purposes in order to bypass existing sanctions,” stated Urmas Reinsalu, Estonia’s foreign minister.
Warsaw support
On July 29, a Polish government spokesperson voiced support for the decisions taken by European partners on tourism policy concerning Russians, including the potential cessation of issuing Schengen visas.
“Poland stands firmly with far-reaching sanctions and backs actions proposed by our Central and Eastern European partners,” a spokesperson remarked.
First outs
In the immediate aftermath of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, Latvia and Lithuania halted Russian visa issuance as a show of solidarity with Ukraine and its people. The Czech Republic followed suit, suspending Russian visa issuance and visiting Russian consular premises in Karlovy Vary, Brno, and Saint Petersburg. The Czech authorities also closed their diplomatic missions in Moscow and Yekaterinburg, recalling ambassadors to Moscow and Belarus. By June 23, the Czech Republic decided not to grant visas or residence permits to Russians and Belarusians through the end of March 2023.
On March 10, Estonia suspended issuing Russian visas, and on May 30, the Danish Embassy in Russia suspended processing for short-stay visas and residence permits.
Moscow does not accept
On July 27, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson denounced the proposed restrictions on Schengen visas as a move that would prompt retaliation. The spokesperson argued that restricting travel for political motives would further strain bilateral ties and increase tensions.
Following comments from Kremlin officials, Moscow signaled that it would respond if the EU or individual member states pressed ahead with visa restrictions on Russian citizens, while expressing a hope that reasonable thinking would prevail among the opponents of Russia.