As of November 2025, the European Union has applied more restrictive criteria for granting multiple-entry Schengen visas to Russian citizens who reside in the Russian Federation and submit their applications from there. This is not a general ban, but it does represent a significant limitation affecting certain profiles and situations.
What has the European Commission decided and why is it relevant?
On 6 November 2025, the European Commission—the executive body of the European Union responsible for implementing EU legislation and common policies, currently chaired by Ursula von der Leyen—adopted a decision introducing stricter rules for the issuance of multiple-entry Schengen visas to Russian citizens.
This decision specifically affects Russian nationals who reside in the Russian Federation and apply for a visa from within the country.
What is a multiple-entry Schengen visa?
A multiple-entry Schengen visa allows the holder to enter and exit the Schengen Area several times during its period of validity, provided that the maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period is respected.
This type of visa is commonly issued to individuals who travel frequently for professional, family, or personal reasons.
Which types of visas are affected by this decision?
The measure applies to short-stay Schengen visas, both for tourism and business purposes, when requested as multiple-entry visas.
It is not a general suspension of visas nor a ban on entry into the Schengen Area, but rather a specific limitation on the granting of visas that allow multiple entries.
What is the reason for tightening these rules?
The European Commission considers that developments arising from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine have altered the security risk profile associated with certain visa applications submitted by Russian nationals.
For this reason, Member States are required to apply stricter criteria and a higher level of scrutiny in order to mitigate potential risks to the public and internal security of the European Union.
Who does this decision apply to exactly?
The decision applies exclusively to applications submitted by:
- Russian nationals
- Who reside in the Russian Federation
- Who apply at Schengen State consulates located in Russia
- Who request a short-stay Schengen visa
What if I am a Russian citizen but reside outside Russia and apply from another country?
In this case, the decision does not apply.
The new rules apply solely to applications submitted by Russian citizens residing in the Russian Federation and applying from within the country. Russian nationals who legally reside in another country and apply for a Schengen visa at a consulate outside Russia will continue to be subject to the general rules of the Schengen Visa Code, without prejudice to the individual assessment carried out by the consular authority in each case.
Which countries apply these new rules?
The new rules apply in the following States:
- Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden.
They also apply in Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Does this mean that multiple-entry visas are no longer granted to Russian citizens?
No. The decision does not completely eliminate the possibility of obtaining a multiple-entry visa, but it limits their issuance to specific profiles considered to be lower risk.
In practice, this means that:
- Fewer multiple-entry visas will be granted
- Single-entry visas or visas with shorter validity periods will be prioritised
- Each application will be subject to more stringent scrutiny
Who is exempt from this restriction?
The decision establishes two main categories of exemptions.
- Who qualifies as close family members?
Close family members of EU citizens or of Russian citizens legally residing in a Member State may be eligible for a multiple-entry Schengen visa. Close family members are considered to be:
- Spouses or registered partners
- Children under the age of 21, whether their own or those of the spouse or partner
- Parents
In these cases, the visa may be granted for up to one year, provided that the applicant has obtained and lawfully used three visas within the previous two years.
- Which transport workers are included?
Transport workers applying for a visa in the course of their professional activity are also exempt, including:
- Seafarers
- Truck drivers
- Bus drivers
- Railway crew members
For this group, the visa may be granted for up to nine months, provided that the applicant has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous two years.
Can multiple-entry visas be granted in other cases?
Yes, on an exceptional basis. Member States retain the discretion to grant multiple-entry visas where the applicant can:
- Justify the need for frequent travel
- Demonstrate reliability and integrity
- Prove that they do not pose a risk to public or internal security
Each application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
What does it mean that the visa validity cannot exceed the passport’s validity?
If the applicant’s passport expires earlier, the multiple-entry visa must expire at the latest three months before the passport’s expiry date.
This means that even if all requirements are met, the validity of the visa will always be limited by the validity of the travel document.
Does this decision affect visas that have already been issued?
No. This decision applies only to new visa applications and does not affect multiple-entry visas that have already been issued and are currently valid, unless individual circumstances justify their withdrawal in accordance with the general rules.
Does this decision affect citizens of other countries residing in Russia?
No. The new rules do not apply to nationals of other visa-required countries who reside in the Russian Federation, provided that they do not also hold Russian nationality.
How can Feliu N&I help in this new scenario?
At Feliu N&I, we continuously monitor European regulations and their practical impact on the international mobility of professionals, companies, and families.
We assist our clients in analysing their specific situation, identifying potential exemptions, and preparing visa applications in compliance with current regulations, with the aim of reducing risks and providing legal certainty in an increasingly demanding regulatory environment.
You can read the European Commission’s decision here:
https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/409a8179-9885-49f8-ab40-9c1a07b1f581_en
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