Finland and the EU Prepare to Tighten Schengen Visas for Russians: What Travelers Should Expect

Why Finland Raises the Visa Issue

At a European summit in Brussels, the Finnish prime minister announced he intends to propose a complete halt to issuing tourist Schengen visas to Russian citizens. He said security concerns and the risk of sabotage are the main drivers. In effect, the move would curb the free movement of Russians across the Schengen area, where they can currently travel with relatively few hurdles.

Which Countries Have Already Backed the Initiative

Finland is not alone. Joint statements also feature most Baltic states, plus the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Iceland and Norway. Those governments have previously raised the prospect of stricter visa rules for Russians, and now their positions are being merged into a single set of conclusions for the European Council.

What Has Already Changed in Visa Practice

Since the end of 2025, Russians applying for visas at EU consulates inside Russia have found it almost impossible to obtain a multiple‑entry visa. Exceptions are limited to family members of EU citizens, people already residing in Europe, transport workers and a few special cases. As a result, the share of so‑called multi‑visas has plummeted – only a small fraction of all Schengen visas issued are now multi‑entry.

How This Affects Ordinary Tourists

For most travelers it means each trip to Europe will require a fresh visa application. Shorter validity periods and a longer list of required documents are already being felt at consular offices: queues are longer and fees have risen. Industry experts say a total freeze on visa issuance is unlikely, but in the coming years the number of tourist Schengen visas for Russians could drop noticeably.

Recognition of Russian Passports in the Schengen Area

Beyond visa limits, several Schengen states stopped accepting the old five‑year non‑biometric Russian passports in October. Today those passports are no longer recognized in fifteen countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Sweden. That adds another hurdle for trip planning, because a biometric passport is now mandatory.

What to Do If You’re Planning a Trip to Europe

1. Check the latest visa requirements – rules can shift right up to your departure date, so keep an eye on official sources.
2. Make sure you have a biometric passport – it remains the only document accepted throughout the Schengen zone.
3. Prepare your paperwork early – with tighter timelines and possible extra checks, filing your application several months ahead is wise.
4. Consider alternative routes – if a Schengen visa becomes too burdensome, look at nearby non‑Schengen countries, such as some Baltic states that run separate visa regimes.

How the Situation May Look in the Coming Years

Analysts expect the volume of Schengen visas granted to Russians to shrink by 2027, but a total disappearance of Russian tourism to Europe is improbable. Visa validity periods, fees and application procedures are likely to keep changing, yet Europe, as a major tourism market, will try to retain interest from Russian travelers.

Take‑aways for Travelers

• Finland is pushing a discussion about a full ban on tourist visas for Russians.
• Most EU member states backing the idea have already signaled tougher visa policies.
• Multi‑entry visas have almost vanished, and a biometric passport is now compulsory.
• Planning a trip now demands more time, paperwork and cash.
• Despite the restrictions, shutting European tourism to Russians completely in the near term looks unlikely.

If you’ve already started dreaming about a European holiday, begin the preparations early, stay tuned to the news and be ready for stricter requirements. In the end, solid preparation will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and make the journey smoother.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.