The EU is reportedly considering introducing new sanctions that would ban services tied to tourism activities in Russia. The proposed measures, which are part of a broader sanctions package, aim to reduce Russia’s revenues from such services and deter non-essential travel to the country. However, the restrictions do not include new barriers for Russian tourists visiting the EU, with diplomats stating that Russian visitors are still permitted to travel to the bloc.
The draft sanctions package, cited by EUobserver, would prohibit the provision of services directly related to tourism in Russia. The EU Commission has opted for a more measured approach, with some member states like the Nordic and Baltic countries, the Czech Republic, and Poland pushing for stricter restrictions on Russian tourists on security and boycott grounds. However, the EU Commission has decided against implementing further barriers for Russian visitors, despite these calls.
Additionally, the EU Commission plans to release a non-binding strategy on Russian tourists visiting the EU by year-end, according to an unnamed EU diplomat. The 19th sanctions package is set to be discussed by EU ambassadors in Brussels, requiring unanimous approval from all 27 member states. These measures are primarily targeted at Russia’s financial, energy, and shipping sectors, rather than tourism.
Despite these proposals, some EU member states have expressed opposition to curbing Russian tourists. Earlier this month, Greek outlet ProNews reported that Greece, Italy, Spain, France, and Hungary were against restricting Russian visitors, citing economic and diplomatic reasons. In 2024, Schengen countries issued around 552,000 visas to Russians, with Italy, France, and Spain being the largest issuers. Conversely, entries from EU states to Russia totaled about 469,000 in 2024, a 16% decline from the previous year.
In the first quarter of 2025, over 21,000 EU citizens crossed into Russia as tourists, according to statistics cited by RIA. Moscow has refused to restrict EU arrivals, with Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stating that the country aims to maintain human contacts, tourism, business, and humanitarian ties with the EU, despite efforts within the bloc to reduce these interactions.