Northern Schengen countries demand tourism visa restrictions for Russians

Estonia and ten other northern Schengen states have called for an end to issuing tourism visas to Russian citizens. The joint statement is aimed at restricting leisure travel by Russian nationals within the Schengen area.

Estonia has joined ten other predominantly northern Schengen area member states in demanding an end to issuing tourism visas to Russian citizens. The joint statement is a clear political signal that neighbouring countries no longer consider free travel by Russians to Europe acceptable in the current geopolitical situation.

Northern Schengen countries believe that granting tourism visas to Russian citizens is incompatible with the protection of Europe's shared values and security interests. The call emphasises the need to coordinate visa policy more broadly and reduce the number of Russian tourists entering Europe.

In recent years, Estonia has been one of the most active proponents of stricter measures against Russia at both the European Union and Schengen framework levels. The current joint initiative shows that political will is growing in the Baltic and Nordic region to pressure EU partners towards a more unified approach to Russian visa policy.

Expanding visa restrictions would affect thousands of Russian citizens who travel to Europe for holidays each year. Critics have previously noted that excessive restrictions may also affect dissenting Russians, but supporters argue that security interests outweigh such considerations.