BRUSSELS: The European Commission is considering a complete ban on Russian tourists entering the EU as part of its 19th sanctions package against Moscow over the war in Ukraine, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.
If adopted, the measure would represent the bloc’s toughest travel restriction on Russian citizens since the start of the conflict and would require unanimous backing from all 27 member states.
According to AA, the proposal was spearheaded by Poland, Finland and the Baltic states, which have consistently pressed for tighter controls on Russian travelers.
Divisions Among Member States
Countries benefiting heavily from Russian tourism, such as Italy, Spain, Greece and France may resist a full ban. Moscow-friendly Hungary is also seen as a likely opponent.
An EU official told AA that the Commission is weighing two options: issuing non-binding guidance encouraging states to curb tourist visas, or embedding a binding full ban within the sanctions package, an option that would be politically more challenging to pass.
The Commission’s data shows more than 500,000 Russians received Schengen visas in 2024, a sharp increase from the previous year despite the ongoing war.
Expanded Sanctions Agenda
The 19th sanctions package, initially expected on Wednesday but delayed, will expand on earlier measures that targeted Russian banks, energy exports, and Kremlin-linked individuals.
In addition to the possible tourist ban, some EU countries are advocating tighter restrictions on Russian diplomatic travel.
Citing security concerns, states such as the Czech Republic and Latvia have pushed for limits after years of expelling Russian operatives accused of working under diplomatic cover, reports the news agency.
