EU Proposes Full Ban on Tourist Visas for Russian Citizens

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The European Commission (EC) is considering a complete ban on issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens, according to European sources cited by Izvestia.

"These proposals are being discussed in coordination with EU member states," the source said.

No specific timetable for a possible ban has been announced, nor is it clear whether the EC will secure support for this measure from EU countries. Southern European states such as Greece, Italy, Spain, Cyprus, and France have a greater interest in maintaining tourist visa issuance to Russians, as their economies are more dependent on Russian tourists. In contrast, the economies of Northern European countries are less reliant on Russian tourism.

Experts note that the current EU leadership does not have the legal authority to ban tourist visas based on nationality. However, an EU regulation does allow for visa refusals to applicants who pose a "threat to public order, internal security, or international relations of any member state." This provision is what the authors of the ban proposal intend to rely on.

Earlier, European diplomatic service chief Kaja Kallas announced plans for the EC to create a blacklist of Russians who would be denied entry to EU countries, including all participants in the Special Military Operation (SVO).