EU Tightens Visa Rules for Russians, but ‘Golden Passports’ Keep Europe Open
EU banned multi-entry visas for Russians Thursday, but 50,000+ already hold alternative passports that bypass the restriction.
The multi-entry visa ban will affect ordinary Russian citizens seeking to travel to Europe for tourism, business, or family visits. But wealthy Russians and political elites who purchased or obtained alternative citizenship will remain largely unaffected, able to enter Schengen countries using their new passports.
According to an analysis of data from governments and investigative reporting, tens of thousands of Russians (at least 50,000) have gained citizenship in countries including Turkey, Malta, and Serbia, utilizing citizenship by investment programs and other naturalization pathways that provide visa-free or greatly facilitate entry into Europe regardless of whether the country has lifted restrictions on Russian visa applications.
