While Russian soldiers are fighting in Ukraine, their family members can enjoy sightseeing in European capitals. The unprecedented economic sanctions imposed by the European Union are not affecting Russian holidaymakers. However, several European states have already stopped issuing tourist visas to Russians. While some Baltic countries no longer issue tourist visas, Slovakia has slightly restricted its tourist visas policy towards the Russians. This comes in response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The political scientist Grigory Meseznikov considers it absolute nonsense that Russians should holiday freely in the European Union while millions of Ukrainians have left their homes because of Russian aggression.
He thinks that it is the decision of the country to structure its permissions on entry, and not a universal right of the citizens of another country to enter it. Meseznikov also refuses the argument of a collective guilt.
The Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that only such a solution that would be accepted by all countries that are part of Schengen would make sense. Quoting from their stance, once the Russians are issued a tourist visa by another Schengen country, their travels within the zone are unlimited. European foreign ministers should address this topic at their next meeting in Prague at the end of August.
According to former Foreign Minister Pavol Demes, in order for Russian citizens to be banned from entering the European Union, all 27 member states would have to agree. He expects the European Union to search for a common strategy, but he does not see this resulting in a ban on the entry of Russian citizens to Europe. Only in July 2022, 230 thousand Russians crossed the Finnish border alone - and from there travelled all over Europe.
Source: RTVS, Lukáš Füle
