Published on
November 8, 2025

Russia has strongly condemned the European Union’s latest sanction concerning the multi-entry Schengen visas issued to the majority of Russian citizens. This move is included in the series of EU sanctions regarding the Ukraine war. Since the sanctions came into effect on November 8, Russia and the EU have exchanged increasingly angry statements, with the Russian side claiming the EU is punishing ‘innocent’ tourists.

Relations further soured after the EU foreign policy head, Kaja Kallas, stated that the right to travel to the EU is ‘a privilege, not a right.’ Russia responded by ridiculing the comment and asserting that the position punishes innocent Russian tourists while benefiting illegal border crossers. These events highlight the already strained Russia-EU relations from a tourism and travel perspective.

EU’s Visa Ban: A Move Against Russia’s Travel Access

The European Union‘s decision to revoke multi-entry Schengen visas for most Russian citizens is part of a broader series of sanctions imposed by the EU as part of its stance against Russia’s involvement in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The move is seen as an attempt to limit Russian access to European countries, placing further restrictions on the travel options of Russian nationals.

Multi-entry Schengen visas, which allowed Russian citizens to travel freely between many European countries, are now being suspended for the majority of Russian passport holders. However, certain exemptions may apply to diplomats, business professionals, and others involved in specific, EU-approved activities.

Impact on Travel and Tourists:
For Russian travelers, this new visa policy represents a significant blow to their ability to explore much of Europe. The ability to travel freely between countries has been a core aspect of Schengen Area membership, and many Russian tourists are now facing the reality of more complicated travel plans and higher barriers to accessing European destinations. This move is likely to result in a decline in Russian tourism to the EU, potentially shifting tourist traffic to other destinations, such as countries in Asia or the Middle East.

For those who have already planned trips or booked multi-entry visas, the ban adds uncertainty to their travel plans. Russian nationals who now wish to travel to the EU will need to go through more complicated visa processes, which could discourage tourism and make Europe less appealing as a travel destination.

Kaja Kallas’s Remarks Spark Backlash

The controversy deepened after Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, commented on the visa decision by stating that travel to the EU is “a privilege, not a right.” This remark, viewed by many as dismissive of Russian citizens’ travel rights, was seen as a provocative statement in the context of broader geopolitical tensions.

Her comment, which seemed to equate ordinary Russian tourists with those benefiting from asylum status or undocumented migration, was quickly criticized by Russian officials. Maria Zakharova, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, responded via Telegram, condemning the EU’s approach as biased and insulting.

Zakharova sarcastically questioned Kallas’s intelligence and pointed out that the policy unfairly penalizes Russian citizens who travel legally, while allowing undocumented migrants to enter Europe more easily. Zakharova’s comments were widely shared, reinforcing the sense of discrimination against Russian nationals in the eyes of many Russians.

Impact on Travel and Tourists:
For Russian tourists, Kallas’s remarks and the subsequent visa ban signal growing tension and resentment toward Europe as a travel destination. Kallas’s statement could fuel a sense of alienation among Russian citizens, who may feel that they are being unfairly blamed for broader geopolitical conflicts. This could affect future travel decisions, as tourists may look for alternatives that offer easier access and fewer restrictions.

The growing rhetoric from both sides might also impact the perception of Europe among the Russian public. Travel bans often stir nationalistic sentiments, and some Russian travelers might view the EU as less welcoming. In the long term, this may lead to a reduction in Russian tourism to the EU, while travelers from other parts of the world, including Asia or the Middle East, might benefit from the shift in Russian tourism patterns.

Russia’s Mockery of the EU’s Visa Policy

In response to the EU’s visa restrictions and Kallas’s remarks, Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a pointed sarcastic response, calling attention to the perceived inconsistency in the EU’s immigration policies. Zakharova’s comments emphasized that undocumented migrants are being treated more favorably than Russian tourists who follow the rules. She suggested that the EU’s stance on migration, which has been a topic of controversy in recent years, is at odds with its treatment of legitimate travelers.

The mockery of Kallas’s comments is likely a reflection of the broader geopolitical rivalry between Russia and the EU. The escalating tensions between the two sides, particularly over the war in Ukraine, have spilled over into many areas, including travel and tourism. As diplomatic relations sour, tourism becomes another casualty, with both sides using travel restrictions as a form of political leverage.

Impact on Travel and Tourists:
While the political rhetoric might not directly influence the day-to-day experience of tourists, it has the potential to affect the broader tourism market. Tourists are often influenced by political climates, and ongoing tensions between Russia and the EU may result in travel hesitancy among both Russian and European travelers. Visitors from Russia may begin to feel unwelcome or marginalized in EU countries, while European travelers may face restrictions when visiting Russia.

Additionally, the focus on migration issues and the visa policy debate could overshadow the tourism experience itself. Travelers in both Russia and the EU could find themselves caught in the crossfire of political disputes, which may dampen their enthusiasm for exploring destinations on either side of the divide.

A Geopolitical Crisis in Tourism

The decision by the EU to revoke multi-entry Schengen visas for most Russian citizens, coupled with the harsh response from Russia, marks another chapter in the ongoing geopolitical crisis affecting tourism. The visa ban and Kallas’s controversial comments have highlighted the role of political considerations in shaping travel patterns and tourism policy. This is not just a matter of individual rights; it reflects broader international conflicts that now directly impact the global tourism industry.

Impact on Travel and Tourists:
The visa restrictions will have long-term effects on the tourism industry, particularly for Russian tourists who were once frequent visitors to European destinations. As the EU and Russia continue to clash on the global stage, the tourism sector could become a further point of contention. Travelers from both Russia and Europe may need to reconsider their travel plans, with a growing emphasis on finding alternative destinations and routes that bypass these geopolitical tensions.

The Ongoing Struggle Between Travel and Politics

The effects of Kaja Kallas’s comments regarding the EU’s visa ban illustrate the growing intertwining of political conflict and tourism. As the EU tightens restrictions on Russian travelers, the tourism landscape globally begins to shift in its disproportionate and stark temporality. Most non-Western tourists will see the restrictions and feel a sense of setback. The disproportionate and stark temporality of the political conflict on tourism most evidently reveals the EU and Russia’s (geo)political rivalry.