A ban on the entry of Russian citizens with Schengen tourist visas came into force on Monday in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland.

The only EU country bordering Russia that decided not to introduce this ban is Finland. At the same time, Finland has significantly reduced the number of visas issued to Russian citizens.

It became known at the end of September that the Baltic countries and Poland would no longer allow Russian citizens with Schengen visas to cross their borders.

Exceptions will be made for those traveling for family and humanitarian reasons. Previously, the same countries demanded from the European Union to completely ban the issuance of visas to Russian citizens in response to the military invasion of Ukraine. 

No such ban has been introduced, but the European Union has suspended the simplified visa regime for Russia. This means that at least visas will become more expensive and the terms of their issuance will increase.

The new restrictions do not apply to those with the right to reside in the Baltic States and Poland. But last week, the Latvian Sejm passed a draft law with the first reading on strengthening the right to live in the country for citizens of Russia and Belarus.

Furthermore, these restrictions only apply to the external borders of the EU. This means that it will be possible to enter the Baltic States and Poland from other Schengen countries.