Schengen Visas: European Commission Tightens Rules on Multiple-Entry Visas for Russian Nationals

At a Glance

• On 7 November 2025, the European Commission announced stricter rules for Russian nationals to obtain multiple-entry Schengen visas, citing increased “migratory and security risk” amidst Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
• As a result, unless they fall under one of the limited exceptions, Russian nationals will typically only receive single-entry visas, and therefore need to apply for a new visa each time they plan to travel to the Schengen area.

Background

On 7 November 2025, the European Commission announced it would be implementing stricter rules for Russian nationals who want to obtain multiple-entry visas under the Schengen Agreement of 1985. Except in limited circumstances, Russian nationals will now need to apply for a new visa every time they plan to travel to the Schengen area.

This alert provides general information on Schengen visas and the application process, and details the changes for Russian nationals.

What Is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is an entry permit for non-EU nationals to make a short, temporary visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period to a country in the Schengen area. The Schengen area encompasses all EU member states except Ireland and Cyprus, and all members of the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein).

Schengen visas come in three different forms:

• Single-entry visa permitting entry to the Schengen area once.
• Multiple-entry visa permitting several visits to the Schengen area for as long as the visa is valid.
• Airport transit visa allowing a connection through the international transit area of an airport in the Schengen area during a stopover or a change of flights.

Permitted Activities While Visiting the Schengen Area

Holders of a Schengen visa may engage in a range of activities consistent with short-term, nonremunerated visits. These include:

• Tourism and leisure travel
• Attending business meetings, conferences, trade fairs or negotiations
• Participating in short-term training, cultural or sports events, provided the activities are not paid employment
• Receiving medical treatment
• Engaging in short-term academic exchanges or study courses lasting fewer than 90 days

Visitors are not permitted to take up employment or provide paid services to clients or businesses in the Schengen area under a standard Schengen visa. Those intending to work or reside longer-term must apply for the appropriate national work or residence permit.

How to Apply

Applications are made at the consulate responsible for the applicant’s place of legal residence.

Applications must then be submitted to the consulate of the main destination. For visits to multiple Schengen countries, the application goes to the country where the longest stay will occur. If stays are of equal length, the application should be lodged with the consulate of the first country to be entered.

The time frame for lodging an application is at least 15 days before the intended journey and no more than six months in advance.

Timeframe and Fees

Typically, applications are processed in 15 days, but this can be extended to 45 days where detailed examination is required.

The application fee for an adult is currently €90, and €45 for children ages 6-12.

Non-visa Nationals: Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS

Not all travellers to the Schengen area require a visa. Nationals of countries with visa-free arrangements, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and others, may enter the Schengen area without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. These individuals are referred to as non-visa nationals.

However, their entry will soon be subject to enhanced monitoring and pre-travel authorisation under new EU systems being introduced:

• Entry/Exit System (EES): Operational since 2025, the EES electronically records entries and exits of non-EU nationals travelling to and from the Schengen area. It will replace passport stamping and automatically track how long travellers remain in the region, helping authorities identify overstays more easily.
• European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS): Due to launch shortly in 2026, ETIAS will require non-visa nationals to obtain online travel authorisation before entering the Schengen area. ETIAS approval will generally be valid for three years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

Together, these systems aim to strengthen border management, improve security checks and streamline entry procedures for legitimate travellers.

Changes to Rules for Russian Nationals

On 7 November 2025, the European Commission announced stricter rules for Russian nationals to obtain multiple-entry Schengen visas, citing increased “migratory and security risk” amidst Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Generally, Russian nationals will no longer be granted multiple-entry visas unless they fall under one of the limited exceptions below:

• Close relatives, spouses and children under 21 of Russian citizens legally residing in the EU, provided the applicant has lawfully obtained and used three Schengen visas in the previous two years. The visa will be valid for one year.
• Professional drivers and transport workers, for up to nine months.
• Individuals whose reliability is “without doubt,” such as independent journalists, human rights defenders and civil society representatives.

As a result, Russian nationals will typically only receive single-entry visas, and therefore need to apply for a new visa each time they plan to travel to the Schengen area.

For More Information

For further information, you may contact the authors.