Russian Media Claim Possible Complete Suspension of Visas for Russians in EU; Commission Denies

Russian media outlets have circulated information that the European Union is considering a complete halt to visa issuance for Russian citizens. However, the European Commission does not confirm these claims, emphasizing that work is only underway on precise, security-enhancing measures.

European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert noted that in 2022, the visa facilitation agreement with Russia was fully suspended. Member states were also provided with guidelines to reduce the priority of issuing visas to Russians and to strengthen security and border control. Last November, new rules regarding multiple-entry visas came into effect, which are now essentially impossible for Russian citizens to obtain. As a result, the number of visas issued to Russian citizens has significantly decreased.

Lammert recalled that in a letter sent to the European Council in June, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the effectiveness of measures depends on their consistent and uniform application across all member states. He also announced that the Commission is working on updated guidelines for visa issuance to Russians and a list of required documents, and will continue to combat security threats arising from hostile actions by third countries by proposing targeted restrictive measures within the upcoming revision of the Visa Code.

Meanwhile, against the backdrop of discussions on possible visa restrictions, Iraq's ambassador to Moscow, Abdul Karim Hashim Mustafa, invited Russian citizens to holiday in Baghdad, claiming it is "very safe" and "restaurants are open until two in the morning." However, most Western countries, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Canada, and Australia, advise their citizens to avoid travel to Iraq, warning of risks of terrorism, armed clashes, and kidnappings.