EU Visa Security Measures for Russians in Poland and Hungary
Russian citizens applying for a Polish visa are subjected to enhanced security checks amid concerns about potential sabotage. A senior Polish official stated in a briefing that travelers from Russia would undergo a special procedure to verify identities and assess risk. The objective is to bolster border protection and ensure thorough vetting of individuals seeking entry to Poland and, by extension, the European Union. Officials at the briefing noted that these measures respond to claims that Russian travelers could disrupt EU territory and security operations.
During a debate in the European Parliament on October 9, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed strong disapproval of Hungary inviting Russians into the EU without additional screening. The remarks underscored tensions within the bloc over how to balance openness with safeguarding internal borders, particularly when member states pursue different visa policies or relaxed entry rules for certain nationalities.
In July, Hungary’s official gazette published a list of countries whose citizens can apply for a so-called national card, a two-year work visa scheme. The list includes Russia and Belarus, as well as Ukraine, Serbia, Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. This move reflects Hungary’s approach to visa facilitation alongside protective measures, and it marks a notable shift in how the country structures entry options for specific nationalities within the European framework.
A former official with the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended the policy against critics who argued it granted special privileges to Russian citizens. The official argued that visa arrangements aim to support economic and diplomatic ties while maintaining safeguards, arguing that the policy is driven by practical considerations rather than favoritism and that it fits into a broader strategy to manage labor markets and regional relations.
Observers note that these developments highlight a broader pattern in the European Union where border security and mobility considerations are weighed against political and economic goals. The Polish and Hungarian actions illustrate how national decisions can influence movement across the bloc, and they raise questions about consistency and coherence in EU-wide visa policy. As the union continues to reassess its approach to Russian travelers and cross-border labor, policy conversations in Brussels and national capitals are likely to shape how travel is governed in the near term.