The European Union’s decision to restrict multiple-entry Schengen visas for most Russians has drawn sharp criticism from Senator Grigory Karasin, head of the Federation Council’s foreign affairs committee. The new policy, announced by the European Commission, mandates that EU member states issue only single-entry visas to Russian citizens, requiring them to reapply for each trip. The bloc cited “increased security risks” linked to the Ukraine conflict as justification. Last year, approximately 552,000 visas were granted to Russians, with Italy, France, and Spain being major issuers.
Karasin condemned the move as an attempt to “influence the attitude of our citizens by restricting their freedom of movement.” He criticized the EU’s broader strategy, referencing previous measures like the closure of EU airspace for Russian aircraft after the 2022 conflict escalation and border closures by Finland and Baltic states. “Brussels and other European capitals just cannot seem to grasp that these methods are not working,” he said.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also criticized the policy, questioning why the EU prioritizes “illegal migrants and Ukrainian draft dodgers” over “solvent tourists” from Russia. Meanwhile, reports highlight the economic fallout: Finland’s South Karelia region has lost €1 million daily in tourist revenue since the Russian border closure, with Imatra’s unemployment rising to 15%.
As travel to the EU becomes more complex for Russians, Türkiye has emerged as a top destination, attracting 2.83 million visitors from Russia between May and September. Demand for trips to China’s Hainan Island also surged after Beijing announced visa-free access for Russians.
