Eleven Schengen countries demand stricter visa rules for Russian citizens

Eleven countries, including nine EU members plus Iceland and Norway, have sent a joint letter to European officials calling for more stringent visa restrictions for Russian citizens. Led by Sweden, the signatory nations argue that current EU guidelines are applied inconsistently across member states, undermining the bloc's unified policy toward Moscow. Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell stated that the move aims to prevent tourism and luxury travel while the war in Ukraine continues. The European Commission confirmed receipt of the letter and noted that it was discussed at a recent Interior Ministers meeting in Luxembourg. A Commission representative emphasized that measures have already been taken since 2022, including the suspension of the visa facilitation agreement and stricter border checks. Official data shows a decline in annual Schengen visas issued to Russians from four million before the war to approximately half a million currently. The Commission is now preparing additional targeted restrictive measures as part of an ongoing review of the Visa Code.