The proposals follow concerns that Moscow could exploit open borders to carry out sabotage or hybrid attacks. Finland, Estonia, and Latvia are pushing for a total suspension of tourist visas, highlighting a record 477,878 permits issued by the bloc in 2025, of which Italy provided 160,000. Additional measures under review include banning Russian diplomats and former soldiers who fought in Ukraine from entering the EU.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Italy Cuts Russian Visa Wait Despite EU Tourism Ban Proposal
Geopolitics1 day ago
The Council of the European Union met on October 14 to debate the introduction of Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) visas that would restrict Russian holders to a single member state instead of the entire Schengen Area. A leaked presidency paper suggests banning all non-essential tourism for Russian nationals may be the only viable long-term security solution. However, Italy has reportedly opposed these restrictions and recently reduced its visa processing time for Russian citizens from 60 days to 45 days.
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