Calls to stop issuing tourist visas to Russians have been growing in the European Union for weeks. While states like Estonia are determined to keep Russian tourists out, others, like Germany, are more reluctant to do so, informs Lithuanian National Broadcaster LRT.
Some other EU governments are also opposed to back such a measure. The European Commission is concerned that a visa ban would raise legal and humanitarian issues, especially for Russian dissidents. Nevertheless some EU member states, primarily in the North, have moved ahead and restricted visa access for Russian citizens, and in some occasions suspended short–term tourist visas.
They are now urging other member states to follow suit and implement an EU-wide travel ban for Russian Tourists.
A request was also made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reports LRT.
Which countries want to ban Russian tourist visas?
Estonia
Estonia has already ceased issuing visas and residency permits to Russian citizens. Starting from August 18 Russians may only enter the country if they own a valid visa and currently reside in the country or have relatives living in Estonia.
Latvia
Latvian authorities also vote for an EU–wide ban on Russian tourists.
Presently, Russians may only enter Latvia to attend the funeral of a close relative.
Lithuania
According to LRT, Lithuania has largely stopped issuing visas to Russian citizens. Authorities support extending these restrictions to all EU states. Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said this step is necessary because Russians can currently obtain a visa from any EU consulate and enter the bloc through member states bordering Russia.
Finland
Finish authorities want to limit the number of visas issued to tourists, even though Finnish law does not technically permit such a limitation, admitted Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said. Instead, Finland plans to shorten the opening hours of visa offices starting in September, so as to substantially reduce the number of travel permits issued.
Czech Republic
The country also supports to insist on EU-wide decision on the matter.
Because it currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Czech Republic has the prerogative to put the topic at the top of the agenda at the upcoming EU summit later this month, informs LRT.
Poland
The Polish government wants the all EU countries to suspend tourist visas for Russian visitors. Authorities are expected to move ahead with national regulations in the coming weeks.
Exceptions – «pressing humanitarian grounds»
Denmark
Denmark intends to restrict visas for Russian at the national level, yet also favors a coordinated EU–wide ban. Integration Minister Kore Dyubvad recently praised Estonia’s suggestion for universal restrictions as «sensible».
Currently, if just one EU state grants a Schengen visa to Russian visitors, they can travel freely through the rest of the bloc.
Netherlands
Dutch authorities ended issuing short–term visas to Russians in April after Russia expelled several Dutch embassy workers. However, Denmark grants to issue visa in urgent cases. Short–term visas can be obtained in case of «pressing humanitarian grounds». The visa ban does not apply to long–term visas.