EU officials are putting the finishing touches to a legislative package that would make it significantly harder for Russian citizens to obtain Schengen visas, according to a report carried by the Czech news agency ČTK on 11 October 2026, citing Politico and Ukrinform sources. A coalition of member states led by Poland, Sweden and Estonia is pressing for the changes, arguing that the current system—under which nearly half a million tourist visas were issued to Russians last year—presents "obvious vulnerabilities" that Moscow can exploit for hybrid operations ranging from sabotage to influence campaigns. While Czechia has already suspended the issuance of most short-stay visas and residence permits to Russian applicants since March 2022, Prague supports an EU-wide approach to close remaining loopholes and ensure consistent enforcement across the bloc. Diplomatic sources say the European Commission intends to table draft amendments to the Visa Code in January 2027, but some capitals are urging faster action. Proposals under discussion include stricter background checks for applicants who have served in the Russian armed forces, a reduction in the maximum validity of multiple-entry visas, and broader grounds for revoking existing visas on security grounds. Corporate mobility managers should note that the measures would also affect Russian assignees and business travellers holding multi-entry C-visas issued by other member states. Legal experts recommend auditing the visa portfolios of Russian employees and preparing contingency plans for critical roles that may require travel within the Schengen Area. Companies may need to rely more on local hires or virtual collaboration if travel restrictions tighten further. The initiative forms part of a wider EU review of relations with Russia in the wake of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Additional proposals—such as expanding the list of sanctioned goods and restricting the movement of Russian diplomats—are expected to be discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 12 October. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský told reporters that Prague would “fully support any measure that reduces the security risks posed by the Kremlin’s agents while minimising the impact on bona-fide humanitarian cases.”
