The European Commission (EC) has adopted the first-ever EU visa policy strategy, which aims to make Europe more secure, prosperous and competitive, as well as more influential and effective globally, through a “smarter, more modern and coherent visa policy“.
The EC is emphasizing strengthening visa levers as part of strengthening EU security. Article 25a of the Visa Code is expected to be modernized, allowing restrictions (suspension of visas, increase of fees and extension) for countries that do not cooperate on the readmission of migrants and security.
Another key aspect of the The strategy includes “possible targeted visa restrictive measures“ aimed at suspending, refusing or restricting visas in response to “hostile actions“ by third countries that undermine the security of the EU. The implementation of existing visa-free regimes should also be strengthened.
In addition, the European Commission stressed that the EU is deploying “modern digital tools“ to modernize visa and border control, including to prevent visa abuse.
The EC recalled that in 2022 the Commission adopted “clear guidelines“ to deprioritize visas for Russians and focus on security and border control.
In November 2025, the Commission limited the issuance of new multiple-entry visas for Russian citizens. However, the new restrictions will not significantly affect the tourist flow to popular destinations among Russian tourists, according to tourism market participants and experts, RBC emphasizes.