As Russian Summer Tourists Flock to Europe, 11 Countries Urge Tighter Visas
Eleven European countries, including the Czech Republic, have sent a letter to the European Commission calling for stricter Schengen visa regulations for Russian citizens. The letter notes inconsistent enforcement of visa guidelines among member states, undermining the effectiveness of sanctions, and highlights the contrast of Russian tourists enjoying European beaches while Ukraine is under attack.
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- 📰 Published: June 4, 2026 at 20:17
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(Central News Agency, Prague, 4th) With summer approaching, eleven European countries, including the Czech Republic, have sent a letter to the European Commission urging stricter controls on Schengen visas for Russian citizens. The letter states that an increasing number of Russian tourists are vacationing on European beaches and argues that Europe must adopt a unified approach to visa issuance; otherwise, sanctions will struggle to have a substantial impact on Russia.
The letter was addressed to Kaja Kallas, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Magnus Brunner, the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration. Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka and Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar signed the letter on behalf of the Czech Republic.
In addition to the Czech Republic, the signatories include Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and two non-EU countries, Norway and Iceland.
The letter notes that in September 2022, the European Council suspended its visa facilitation agreement with Russia due to Russia's aggression against Ukraine and subsequently issued guidelines for processing visa applications from Russian citizens.
However, "the inconsistent level of implementation of these guidelines by Member States remains a significant problem, as it lacks sufficient unity and consistency. At the same time, it may also lead to unequal economic competition among Member States."
These countries argue that Europe needs a "unified and coordinated approach," otherwise the relevant sanctions will not have a substantial impact on Russia.
The letter states: "With the summer approaching, we, the undersigned ministers, believe it is necessary to reiterate the need to maintain a restrictive visa policy for Russian visa applicants." It points out that "an increasing number of Russian tourists are enjoying holidays on European beaches and resorts, while at the same time, missiles and drones continue to attack Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure."
The letter cites statistics showing that in 2025, a total of 477,878 Schengen visas for tourism purposes were issued to Russian citizens, the majority of which were multiple-entry visas.
The authority to issue visas lies with individual EU member states. Some countries advocate for a complete ban on Russian citizens entering the EU, but such a measure would require a majority vote from EU member states.
Currently, most EU countries that border or are near Russia have significantly restricted visa issuance. Poland, the three Baltic states, the Czech Republic, and Finland have essentially closed their doors to their neighbor Russia.
In contrast, countries that rely on summer tourism revenue from Russian visitors, such as Italy, Spain, Greece, and France, as well as Hungary, which is more friendly towards Russia, have continued to issue visas relatively leniently even after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (Editor: Chen Huiping) 1150604
The letter was addressed to Kaja Kallas, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Magnus Brunner, the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration. Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka and Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar signed the letter on behalf of the Czech Republic.
In addition to the Czech Republic, the signatories include Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and two non-EU countries, Norway and Iceland.
The letter notes that in September 2022, the European Council suspended its visa facilitation agreement with Russia due to Russia's aggression against Ukraine and subsequently issued guidelines for processing visa applications from Russian citizens.
However, "the inconsistent level of implementation of these guidelines by Member States remains a significant problem, as it lacks sufficient unity and consistency. At the same time, it may also lead to unequal economic competition among Member States."
These countries argue that Europe needs a "unified and coordinated approach," otherwise the relevant sanctions will not have a substantial impact on Russia.
The letter states: "With the summer approaching, we, the undersigned ministers, believe it is necessary to reiterate the need to maintain a restrictive visa policy for Russian visa applicants." It points out that "an increasing number of Russian tourists are enjoying holidays on European beaches and resorts, while at the same time, missiles and drones continue to attack Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure."
The letter cites statistics showing that in 2025, a total of 477,878 Schengen visas for tourism purposes were issued to Russian citizens, the majority of which were multiple-entry visas.
The authority to issue visas lies with individual EU member states. Some countries advocate for a complete ban on Russian citizens entering the EU, but such a measure would require a majority vote from EU member states.
Currently, most EU countries that border or are near Russia have significantly restricted visa issuance. Poland, the three Baltic states, the Czech Republic, and Finland have essentially closed their doors to their neighbor Russia.
In contrast, countries that rely on summer tourism revenue from Russian visitors, such as Italy, Spain, Greece, and France, as well as Hungary, which is more friendly towards Russia, have continued to issue visas relatively leniently even after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (Editor: Chen Huiping) 1150604
FAQ
Which countries are calling for stricter visa regulations for Russians?
Czech Republic, Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, and Iceland.
How many tourist visas were issued to Russians in 2025?
477,878 visas.
Why are some EU countries lenient in issuing visas to Russians?
Because they rely on revenue from Russian tourists during the summer season.