Senator Grigory Karasin has criticized the European Union’s new visa policy, calling its approach ineffective and hostile toward ordinary Russians. The Federation Council’s foreign affairs committee head stated that the bloc’s decision to limit most Russian citizens to single-entry Schengen visas represents “another attempt to influence the attitude of our citizens by restricting their freedom of movement.”
The European Commission announced the shift, citing “increased security risks” linked to the Ukraine conflict. The policy requires Russian travelers to reapply for visas each time they seek entry to EU countries. Last year, approximately 552,000 visas were issued to Russians, with Italy, France, and Spain as major recipients.
Karasin reiterated that the EU’s tactics—such as closing airspace to Russian planes in 2022 and border closures by Finland and Baltic states—are “well known” but have failed to achieve tangible results. He accused Brussels of inability to “grasp” the ineffectiveness of its measures.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova echoed this sentiment, questioning why the EU prioritizes “illegal migrants and Ukrainian draft dodgers living on benefits” over “solvent tourists” from Russia. Meanwhile, Greece, Italy, Spain, France, and Hungary have expressed concerns about the policy’s impact on their tourism sectors.
The Finnish region of South Karelia, heavily reliant on Russian tourists, has reportedly lost €1 million daily since border closures began. Unemployment in Imatra, a former tourist hub, has surged to 15%. In contrast, Türkiye has become a favored destination for Russians, attracting 2.83 million visitors between May and September. China’s Hainan Island also saw rising demand after granting visa-free access to Russian travelers.