According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the European Union may halt issuing Schengen visas to Russians. Ivan Nechaev, deputy director of the ministry’s press and information department, warned that such steps would not go unnoticed by Moscow.
He cautioned that even without a pan-European agreement, Russia could not rule out broad discriminatory measures at both the EU level and from individual states. He did not specify exact actions Moscow might take in response.
Dmitry Novikov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Relations, argued that restricting entry of Europeans into Russia would be unacceptable. He spoke of safeguarding human rights and warned against creating problems for citizens from scratch. He suggested Moscow should avoid wholesale sanctions targeting people from a single European country.
Novikov stressed the importance of maintaining avenues for dialogue with the West and cautioned against a reflexive retaliatory stance.
Latvia
Nechaev also discussed the likelihood that Latvian authorities could refuse renewing residence permits for Russian citizens. The Russian Foreign Ministry labeled such steps a blatant disregard of international obligations and a malicious violation of residents’ rights in Latvia.
Nechaev described these moves as potentially xenophobic and neofascist in tone. Latvia has condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine from the outset of its special operation. It also imposed a visa ban on Russians not accompanying journalists or family members of EU citizens.
By late July, Latvia’s State Security Service began requiring written confirmation from Russians and Belarusians about negative attitudes toward the Russian operation.
On August 16, Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins stated that Russia was waging war in Ukraine while Russians enjoyed holidays in Europe or sought residence permits. He indicated that the government had conceptually agreed to suspend reacquisition of residence documents and tighten entry restrictions for Russian citizens.
Latvian President Egils Levits proposed reviewing grants of residence for Russians and revoking documents for those who support Moscow’s special operation. By August 18, Latvia’s Interior Ministry prepared changes to immigration law, proposing a suspension of re-issuance of residence permits for Russian and Belarusian citizens through mid-2023. The Baltic News Agency reported that roughly 9,189 Russian citizens and 2,432 Belarusians held valid permits in Latvia.
Finland
Russia warned of a necessary response to Finland’s decision to halve the number of Schengen visa applications processed for Russians. The Russian foreign ministry spokesperson described Finland’s move as part of a broader Russophobic campaign seen in parts of the Baltic region and other EU states.
Finland announced a cap on visa applications from September, allowing no more than 500 per day. Of these, 20% would be for tourists and 80% for non-tourism purposes. Diplomats noted a need to scrutinize applications from Russians seeking family, work, or educational travel.
Finnish authorities clarified that visas already issued would remain valid, and few new tourist applications would be approved. The measure highlighted ongoing concerns about travel and mobility within the Schengen area.
Estonia
Since August 18, Estonia has implemented visa restrictions on Russian citizens. Those who already possessed visas could not enter unless traveling to visit a close relative with Estonian citizenship or a long-term residence permit.
Russians holding Schengen visas from other countries, diplomats stationed in Estonia, and their families could still enter. The United Nations criticized Tallinn’s measures as discriminatory against Russians, while the European Commission reminded that EU states can set entry rules independently.
Germany
Germany has not reached a full consensus. Some political figures, including AfD leader Tino Krupalla, urged continued discussions to avoid blocking Russian tourists from visiting Germany. Lithuanian adviser Asta Skaisgirytė noted similar doubts among other Southern European nations seeking to revive tourism after the pandemic.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged the need for discussion and acknowledged that room exists for maneuver among EU members. An informal foreign ministers’ meeting was planned for late August, with reports suggesting consideration of amendments to Schengen Law to reduce visa issuance to Russians. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed closing European borders to Russians, telling The Washington Post that it would take time to assess the outcome.
In summary, multiple EU states weighed the balance between travel freedom and national security, as they navigated public opinion, economic pressures, and ongoing disputes related to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.