EU nations push for visa crackdown on Russian tourists

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Brussels: A group of European nations has called on the European Union to impose tougher visa restrictions on Russian tourists, arguing that leisurely travel by Russian citizens is unacceptable while the war in Ukraine persists into its fifth year. The initiative was discussed by EU interior ministers during a meeting in Luxembourg.

The push is led by a coalition of members of the Schengen free-movement area, including Poland, Norway, and the Baltic states. In a joint letter, the countries expressed deep concern over Russian tourists enjoying European resorts while military strikes continue to target Ukrainian civilians.

Proponents also emphasized that easy access to Europe presents hybrid security risks, adding that tighter rules would help bar individuals who have actively fought in Ukraine.

While the bloc has previously scaled back visa privileges, hawkish members criticize the uneven enforcement across the EU, noting that countries such as France, Italy, and Spain remain among the top visa issuers.