Germany urges EU to tighten short‑stay tourist visas for Russian citizens
Berlin says the number of issued Type C visas for Russians is 'too high' and calls for a coordinated EU effort under the 2022 agreement.
Germany has called on its European partners to tighten restrictions on tourist travel for Russian citizens, saying the number of short‑stay visas issued to Russians is excessive.
Berlin's appeal
A spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry in Berlin said, "The number of issued Type C visas for Russian citizens who want to stay in the European Union for tourism is too high." He reminded EU members of a 2022 agreement that called on countries to work together to reduce the number of such short‑stay visas.
The spokesman added that the 2022 decision has been implemented "with different degrees of strictness in different countries," and urged a more coordinated approach across the bloc.
"The aim is that only persons who do not pose a threat should be able to enter the EU," he said, emphasizing security considerations behind the call for tighter rules.
Germany also accused Russia yesterday of carrying out an unsuccessful drone attack on Leipzig Airport and announced it would take countermeasures. Officials in Berlin framed the visa appeal as part of wider steps to reduce security risks.
EU member states would need to agree on practical measures and enforcement if the bloc is to lower the overall number of short‑stay tourist visas issued to Russian nationals; the German appeal signals pressure for a unified policy ahead of such discussions.
Photo: press material from the event
