Germany demands stricter restrictions on the issuance of Schengen visas for Russian citizens, as part of a new EU sanctions package against Russia.

The document emphasizes the need to implement the guidelines from 2022, aimed at limiting visas for tourist travelers. In 2024, consulates in Russia issued 542,000 visas, an increase compared to 2023. Southern EU countries have been criticized for the high number of visas granted, and Germany has already adopted stricter criteria.