The European Commission on 7 November 2025 formally revoked the possibility for Russian nationals to obtain multiple-entry Schengen visas. Under the new guidance, every Russian applicant must file a fresh application for each trip, allowing consulates to run enhanced security checks each time. Brussels framed the measure as a direct response to continuing security threats linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine, citing sabotage plots, disinformation campaigns and the alleged ‘weaponisation’ of migration flows.
Although the decision is EU-wide, its practical consequences vary by member state. Cyprus—still outside the Schengen area but aligned with Schengen visa policy—had already seen Russian arrivals collapse from 780,000 in 2019 to an estimated 90,000 in 2024 following sanctions and flight bans. A spokesperson for the Cypriot Foreign Ministry told Politis that national “Category C” visas (valid only for Cyprus) will continue to be issued, but applications for Schengen visas lodged in Moscow will now face “stricter scrutiny”. Industry associations such as the Cyprus Hotel Association welcomed the clarity, noting that the market had largely diversified toward Israel, Germany and Poland over the past two seasons.
![EU Ends Multiple-Entry Schengen Visas for Russians; Cyprus Expects Only Marginal Tourism Impact]()
For businesses, the main operational impact is on Russian executives who previously relied on multi-year Schengen visas to attend meetings at regional headquarters in Limassol’s thriving shipping and fintech clusters. Immigration advisers are urging companies to factor in longer lead-times—up to 45 days—for each individual trip and to build contingencies for last-minute rejections. Russian-owned vessels calling at Cypriot ports for crew changes may also experience delays if on-signing seafarers need new single-entry visas.
At policy level, the step underscores Brussels’ willingness to use mobility levers to exert pressure on Moscow, and it sets a precedent that could be applied to other third-country nationals deemed high risk. The move may also accelerate Nicosia’s long-held objective of joining Schengen: Cypriot officials argue that full membership would give them a seat at the table when such decisions are taken, rather than having to transpose them after the fact.
Practical tips for mobility managers: (1) budget extra time for Russian travellers’ visa processing; (2) use Cyprus-only national visas when travel is confined to the island; (3) monitor clients’ insurance and itinerary changes, as each new visa requires fresh documentation; (4) brief Russian assignees on potential questioning at external Schengen border points when connecting through Athens or Vienna.
Although the decision is EU-wide, its practical consequences vary by member state. Cyprus—still outside the Schengen area but aligned with Schengen visa policy—had already seen Russian arrivals collapse from 780,000 in 2019 to an estimated 90,000 in 2024 following sanctions and flight bans. A spokesperson for the Cypriot Foreign Ministry told Politis that national “Category C” visas (valid only for Cyprus) will continue to be issued, but applications for Schengen visas lodged in Moscow will now face “stricter scrutiny”. Industry associations such as the Cyprus Hotel Association welcomed the clarity, noting that the market had largely diversified toward Israel, Germany and Poland over the past two seasons.
For businesses, the main operational impact is on Russian executives who previously relied on multi-year Schengen visas to attend meetings at regional headquarters in Limassol’s thriving shipping and fintech clusters. Immigration advisers are urging companies to factor in longer lead-times—up to 45 days—for each individual trip and to build contingencies for last-minute rejections. Russian-owned vessels calling at Cypriot ports for crew changes may also experience delays if on-signing seafarers need new single-entry visas.
At policy level, the step underscores Brussels’ willingness to use mobility levers to exert pressure on Moscow, and it sets a precedent that could be applied to other third-country nationals deemed high risk. The move may also accelerate Nicosia’s long-held objective of joining Schengen: Cypriot officials argue that full membership would give them a seat at the table when such decisions are taken, rather than having to transpose them after the fact.
Practical tips for mobility managers: (1) budget extra time for Russian travellers’ visa processing; (2) use Cyprus-only national visas when travel is confined to the island; (3) monitor clients’ insurance and itinerary changes, as each new visa requires fresh documentation; (4) brief Russian assignees on potential questioning at external Schengen border points when connecting through Athens or Vienna.
