Latvia Calls for EU-Wide Suspension of Visas for Russian Citizens Amid Security Concerns
Latvia has formally urged the European Union to halt the issuance of Schengen visas to Russian nationals, citing escalating security threats linked to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and hybrid operations across Europe. The call, made by Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže on May 25, reflects growing unease over the potential misuse of EU travel privileges by individuals aligned with or acting on behalf of the Kremlin.
Latvia calls on the EU countries to halt visa issuance for Russian citizens, citing security concerns.
— Baiba Braže (@Braze_Baiba) May 25, 2025
“The number of Schengen visas issued to Russian passport holders in 2024 has increased by 25 % compared to ‘23 figures”. https://t.co/yhn8fl6VPa
She highlighted a 25% increase in Schengen visas issued to Russian nationals in 2024 compared to the previous year, raising alarms about the potential for these visas to be exploited for malign activities.
The Schengen visa permits holders to travel freely across 29 European countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, facilitating short-term visits for tourism, business, or family reasons. While some EU countries have already restricted or halted the issuance of visas to Russian citizens, others continue to process applications, maintaining a legal pathway for Russian travel into the bloc.
Latvia, along with Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland, imposed entry restrictions on Russian citizens in September 2022 as part of a joint agreement responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Czech Republic implemented similar restrictions in October 2022.
Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis emphasized the broader context of these measures, stating,
“Under the current circumstances, we cannot continue with business as usual. We must acknowledge that we are in a state of hybrid war.”
He cited instances of illegal border crossings, acts of sabotage, and propaganda efforts as evidence of the ongoing threat.
The Latvian government has extended its own restrictions on the entry of Russian citizens for tourism and leisure purposes until March 2025, citing ongoing security threats due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Exceptions are made for Russians with residence permits in Latvia or other EU states, and for those entering on humanitarian grounds, such as political dissidents.
As the EU continues to grapple with the implications of Russia’s actions in Ukraine and beyond, Latvia’s call for a unified stance on visa restrictions underscores the challenges of balancing security concerns with the principles of openness and mobility that underpin the Schengen Agreement. The proposal is expected to be a topic of discussion in upcoming EU meetings, as member states consider the appropriate response to the evolving security landscape.
