The geopolitical landscape continues to impact immigration policies across Europe, with Russian and Belarusian nationals facing significant visa and permit suspensions, heightened scrutiny, and travel disruptions for Russians. As of March 2025, these restrictions remain fluid, varying by country and subject to sudden changes. This guide provides a detailed overview of current rules, exemptions, and practical advice for affected individuals and employers.
Key Trends in 2025
Visa and Permit Suspensions: Many European nations have halted visa issuance for tourism, business, and residency purposes.
Increased Scrutiny: Applications from Russian/Belarusian nationals face extended processing times and stricter document checks.
Golden Visa Restrictions: Residence-by-investment programs are largely unavailable to Russians.
Travel Disruptions for Russians: Airspace closures and airline limitations complicate routes for Russian travelers.
Below is a country-by-country breakdown of confirmed regulations, exemptions, and procedural updates.
Western Europe
Belgium
Long-Stay Visas: Resumed processing via VFS Global in Russia (since August 2022).
Short-Term Schengen Visas: Still suspended in Russia. Applications in Armenia, Belarus, and Central Asia must be filed through other EU consulates.
Advice: Confirm submission protocols with consular posts before applying.
France
Visa Costs/Processing: Short-stay visa fees increased to €80 (from €35), with processing times extending to 45 days due to suspended visa facilitation agreements.
Ireland
Visa Waiver Suspended: Russian/Belarusian nationals now require visas for short stays, even if holding UK/Schengen visas.
Impact: Affects tourists, business visitors, and family travelers.
Netherlands
Schengen Visas: Limited issuance for family visits or critical business trips. Applications accepted via VFS Global or the Moscow consulate.
Switzerland
Reduced Visa Facilitation: Higher fees (€80) and longer processing (45 days) for short-stay visas.
Document Restrictions: Invalid visas for passports issued in occupied Ukrainian regions or disputed territories (e.g., Crimea).
United Kingdom
Delays: TB testing, application centers, and language exams face bottlenecks. Priority processing remains paused.
Nordic Countries
Denmark
Category 5 Status: Russia faces strict visa rules since September 2022:
Tourist Visas: Suspended.
Business Visas: Require detailed justification.
Family Visits: Permitted only for terminal illness/death of relatives.
Consular Closures: Moscow embassy closed; applicants must use other EU posts.
Finland
Entry Bans: Russians with Schengen Type C visas barred from tourism (since September 2022).
Business Travel: Valid reasons required for entry (effective July 2023).
Exemptions: Residence permit holders, students, and humanitarian cases.
Consular Limits: Reduced visa appointments in Moscow; biometrics mandatory.
Norway
Tourist Visa Suspension: Issuance halted except for close family, work, or study.
Costs/Processing: Visa fees increased, multi-entry visas suspended.
Sweden
Heightened Security Checks: Applications from Russians undergo prolonged reviews (up to 12+ months).
Residence Card Delays: Logistical issues slow delivery to Moscow.
Baltic States
Estonia
Entry Ban: Russians with Schengen visas barred since September 2022, excluding:
Estonian residence permits.
Family reunification, humanitarian cases, or EU law-protected mobility.
Digital Nomad Visas: Suspended for Russians/Belarusians (since April 2023).
Student/Worker Exceptions: Extended stays allowed for Estonian-language students, medical staff, and academics.
Latvia
Entry Restrictions Extended: Until March 2025 for most Russians. Exemptions include:
EU/EEA residence permits.
Family members of Latvian/EU citizens.
Language Requirements: A2 proficiency mandatory for permanent residency.
Investment Visas: Halted for Russians/Belarusians (since November 2022).
Lithuania
Visa Suspensions: No national visas issued. Limited Schengen visas for family ties or citizenship reinstatement.
Residence Permits: Renewals allowed for current residents; new applications restricted.
Central/Eastern Europe
Poland
Border Controls: Entry barred except for workers, Poland Business Harbour visa holders, or Schengen entry from another EU state.
Security Reviews: Residence permit renewals face high rejection rates.
Special Permissions: New applications halted for Russians (since October 2022).
Czech Republic
Schengen Scrutiny: Increased document checks, though no formal suspensions announced.
Slovakia
Verified Invitations: Required for Schengen visa applications, including proof of accommodation/finances.
Romania
Discretionary Issuance: Short-stay visas for Russians processed inconsistently via Moscow consulate.
Bulgaria
Short-Term Visas: Suspended (2022–2023), now reinstated as of June 2023.
Southern Europe
Spain
Golden Visas: Terminated for Russians (March 2022); overall program ending April 2025.
General Visas: No additional restrictions reported.
Türkiye
Tourist Residence Permits: Preferential treatment ceased (January 2023); higher denial rates expected.
EU-Wide Policies
Schengen Visa Facilitation Suspended: Higher fees (€80), longer processing (45 days), and stricter checks since September 2022.
Guidelines: Commission urges member states to deny visas for tourism/non-essential travel and enhance border scrutiny.
Travel Disruptions for Russians: Key Challenges
Airspace Closures: The U.S., EU, Canada, and other nations have banned Russian flights, forcing travelers to take longer, costlier routes.
Airline Restrictions: Many carriers avoid Russian airspace, leading to delays and cancellations.
Border Scrutiny: Russian nationals face additional questioning and document checks at EU borders.
Transit Limitations: Transit through EU countries like Finland is restricted for most Russian travelers.
Recommendations for Affected Individuals
Consult Immigration Advisors: Case-specific strategies are critical amid inconsistent policies.
Anticipate Delays: Submit applications well in advance due to extended processing.
Explore Alternatives: Consider residency in non-EU states or countries with fewer restrictions.
Prepare Documentation: Justify travel purpose rigorously, especially for business/humanitarian cases.
Conclusion
The evolving restrictions and travel disruptions for Russians underscore the need for vigilance among Russian and Belarusian nationals and their employers. While exemptions exist for family, work, or study, navigating the complex landscape requires up-to-date, professional guidance. Stakeholders should monitor official channels and prioritize flexibility in travel and immigration planning.
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