In a sharp escalation of EU travel restrictions amid ongoing tensions with Russia, the issuance of multiple-entry Schengen visas to Russian citizens has plummeted by 90 percent as of March 2026, according to official European Commission data released today.www.youtube.com This drastic reduction stems from a 2025 decision by the Commission to limit multi-entry visas primarily to single-trip approvals for Russians residing in Russia, reversing prior trends where such visas were more readily granted. High overall approval rates—around 90 percent for properly documented applications—persist, but multi-entry options are now reserved for select cases, such as those living abroad.

The policy shift aligns with broader security concerns raised by EU leaders, including a letter from eight member states urging a full Schengen entry ban for Russian military personnel involved in the Ukraine conflict.www.pravda.com.ua Leaders highlighted risks of ex-combatants engaging in organized crime or hybrid threats, noting over 180,000 Russian soldiers with prior convictions who were released early for contracts. Recent actions, like Estonia's national bans and EU sanctions expansions adding entry prohibitions for targeted Russians—effective even against valid visa holders—underscore the tightening regime.www.visahq.com

EU nations like Germany and Portugal continue processing single-entry visas swiftly, with appointments available in Moscow and St. Petersburg into late March, but the multi-entry clampdown signals long-term barriers. As digital tools like Latvia's new visa e-guide and systems such as EES and upcoming ETIAS enhance border controls, Russian travel to the Schengen area faces unprecedented hurdles.www.mfa.gov.lvetias.com Officials anticipate no easing until geopolitical shifts, including Russian withdrawal from Ukraine.www.europarl.europa.eu