EU plans Russian visa crackdown

The European Commission is preparing proposals to tighten visa rules for Russian tourists, with Poland, Sweden and Estonia pushing for stricter controls on entry.

Hundreds of thousands visit yearly

Last year, some four hundred seventy eight thousand Schengen area tourist visas were issued to Russian citizens, many of which were multiple-entry visas allowing repeated visits.

Multiple-entry visas pose security risk

Sweden's Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer told POLITICO the system is a security threat at a time of heightened concern over Moscow-sponsored sabotage and hybrid warfare.

“It's obvious I think for everyone that we have vulnerabilities in our system that can be used by our enemies.”

Estonia wants ex-combatants banned

Estonia has proposed an outright ban on Russian ex-soldiers, of which there are around six hundred fifty thousand. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna warned they could commit terror attacks.

“I think a large number of these ex-combatants will come, supported by the Russian secret services, to Europe.”

Commission proposal expected in January

Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner told POLITICO a Commission proposal to restrict visas early next year makes sense, urging member states to issue fewer visas to Russian citizens.

“You never know who these tourists actually are.”