# EU tightens visa rules for Russians over hybrid attack fears

> Brussels is planning stricter visa controls for Russian tourists and former soldiers to counter sabotage and hybrid warfare threats.
- Title: EU tightens visa rules for Russians over hybrid attack fears
- Summary: Brussels is planning stricter visa controls for Russian tourists and former soldiers to counter sabotage and hybrid warfare threats. The European Commission…
- Keywords: european union, russia, visa policy, hybrid warfare, schengen area, security, politics, world, tightens, visa, rules, Russians
- Source: POLITICO — https://politico.eu/article/russia-visa-passport-control-face-eu-travel-curbs-to-prevent-hybrid-attacks
- Published: 2026-10-11T02:01:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: european union, russia, visa policy, hybrid warfare, schengen area, security, politics, world
## 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.
## Key takeaway

The European Commission plans to propose tighter visa rules for Russian citizens in January to defend against Moscow-sponsored hybrid attacks and sabotage.