Speaking to journalists in Brussels on 6 November, European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert confirmed that the Commission is “looking into additional measures” that would further restrict the issuance of Schengen visas to Russian nationals. Lammert declined to spell out the details, but multiple media outlets report that the executive is weighing a suspension of multi-entry visas and a shift toward single-entry permits issued only for humanitarian or family reasons.
For Finland—which shares the EU’s longest external land border with Russia—the move could drastically reduce the number of Russian leisure and shopping trips that once flowed through Vaalimaa and Nuijamaa crossings before their 2023 closure. Even if land checkpoints remain shut, Russians have until now been able to fly into Helsinki via third-country hubs on multi-entry Schengen visas; corporate relocation specialists say those trips could soon require new paperwork for every journey.
![EU Confirms Work on New Schengen Visa Curbs for Russian Citizens]()
Finnish retailers and hoteliers, already hurt by the eastern-border clampdown, are bracing for long-term loss of high-spending Russian clientele. Conversely, security officials welcome the prospect, arguing that single-entry visas make it easier to detect abuse and over-stays.
The Commission will now consult member states; diplomats expect a formal proposal before year-end. Mobility managers moving staff between Russia and Finland should prepare for longer lead times, higher legal costs, and the possibility that in-person meetings may have to shift online if repeat-travel visas disappear.
For Finland—which shares the EU’s longest external land border with Russia—the move could drastically reduce the number of Russian leisure and shopping trips that once flowed through Vaalimaa and Nuijamaa crossings before their 2023 closure. Even if land checkpoints remain shut, Russians have until now been able to fly into Helsinki via third-country hubs on multi-entry Schengen visas; corporate relocation specialists say those trips could soon require new paperwork for every journey.
Finnish retailers and hoteliers, already hurt by the eastern-border clampdown, are bracing for long-term loss of high-spending Russian clientele. Conversely, security officials welcome the prospect, arguing that single-entry visas make it easier to detect abuse and over-stays.
The Commission will now consult member states; diplomats expect a formal proposal before year-end. Mobility managers moving staff between Russia and Finland should prepare for longer lead times, higher legal costs, and the possibility that in-person meetings may have to shift online if repeat-travel visas disappear.
