Writer Clarence | by AfterPost | 12 0ctober 26 ---Yes, the EU is planning new visa restrictions for Russians. On October 14, the EU Council visa working group will discuss using Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) visas, which restrict holders to only the country that issued the visa, not the whole Schengen Area.*
If approved, a French LTV visa would let you stay only in France, not travel to Germany, Spain or Italy. This is part of a German initiative for a common restrictive approach toward Russian citizens, to be discussed alongside visa provisions in the EU's 21st sanctions package.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo confirmed October 10 he will propose a complete suspension of tourist visas for Russians at the European Council meeting October 15-16 in Brussels. He asked: "Why on earth are we allowing them to enter European territory as tourists, where they can move around freely?"
Poland, Sweden and Estonia support tightening. Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer said the current system is a vulnerability: "We have vulnerabilities in our system that can be used by our enemies." Estonia proposed banning entry for former Russian military personnel — about 650,000 people.
The move comes after Russians received 478,000 Schengen tourist visas in 2025, many multiple-entry, according to Politico. In November 2025, the EU already banned multiple-entry visas for Russians, requiring a new application for each trip.
The Commission says it is preparing a broader proposal for January 2027 to further tighten rules, including bans for Russians who fought in Ukraine. Some countries will also raise additional restrictions on Russian diplomats at the Foreign Affairs Council on October 12.
For now, no final decision. October 14 is discussion only. October 12 Foreign Affairs Council is also discussion only with no decision expected on diplomats. Germany confirmed it has no plans for a complete ban yet, but wants a unified EU approach.
What is an LTV visa and why EU wants it?
Normal Schengen visa = 29 countries free movement. LTV visa = Article 25 of Visa Code exception. Issued when a member state wants to let someone in for humanitarian or national interest reasons, or when another member state objects to a full Schengen visa after consultation.
EU is now flipping the logic: Use LTV to contain risk. If France issues an LTV, France takes responsibility. Holder cannot board a flight to Berlin without a separate border check. For Russians, it ends the "visa shopping" where you get a visa from Hungary or Italy and then travel to Finland or Baltics.
How Schengen Visas for Russians work now
1. Since Sept 2022: Full suspension of EU-Russia visa facilitation agreement. Fee €35 to €80, longer processing, more documents.
2. Since Nov 2025: No more multiple-entry Schengen visas for Russians. Single-entry only, case-by-case scrutiny. Exceptions only for journalists, dissidents, human rights defenders.
3. Since Jan 25 2026: Russian diplomats must notify before traveling outside accreditation country, after 19th sanctions package.
4. Since Oct 2026: Benelux + Sweden stopped recognizing Russian non-biometric passports. Visas in those passports invalid after Dec 31 2026.
If LTV becomes standard, it's step 5: territorial restriction.
What this means if you are Russian tourist
- You can still apply, but only single-entry.
- If LTV applied, you cannot do multi-country Euro trip on one visa.
- Finland already banned entry for tourism since Sept 2022, land borders closed since Dec 2023.
- Baltics, Poland severely restrict entry even with valid visa.
What to watch next
1. Oct 12 Foreign Affairs Council — will Sweden/Poland push timeline earlier than Jan 2027?
2. Oct 14 visa working group — text of German LTV proposal
3. Oct 15-16 European Council — Orpo's proposal for full ban. Needs unanimity, unlikely now, but LTV has majority support.
FAQ
Will Russians lose access to Schengen completely?
Not yet. Full tourist ban is Finnish proposal, not EU law. What is being discussed Oct 14 is LTV visas that limit stay to issuing country only.
Wha is Limited Territorial Validity visa?
A Schengen visa valid only in one or few countries specified on the sticker, not all 29 Schengen states. Used when member states object to full Schengen validity.
When will new rules start?
Discussion Oct 12 and Oct 14. EU Commission formal proposal expected January 2027. Could be accelerated if sabotage threats increase.
*Which EU countries support ban?
Finland wants full ban. Poland, Sweden, Estonia support tightening and LTV use. Germany supports restrictive common approach but not full ban.
How many Schengen Visas do Russians get?
478,000 tourist visas in 2025, 606,594 total Schengen visas in 2024 according to EU data. Down from pre-war but rising again since 2023.
Read more:https://afterpostint.com/post/p-strong-houthi-attack-kills-13-at-riyadh-airport-trump-warns-us-may-act-strong-p
Sources: Politico Oct 11, Ukrainska Pravda Oct 12, Yle interview Oct 10.