---
title: "\"Optional measures — optional results\": Estonia demands a mandatory ban on tourism for Russians"
description: "Estonian Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Tarro stated that the increase in visa issuance to Russians is unacceptable while the war in Ukraine continues. Estonia demands that EU recommendations be turned into mandatory bans and that entry for Russian military personnel be blocked. In response to restrictions, Russians have begun to massively buy passports of island states 🇪🇪🚫🇷🇺"
date: 2026-07-17T14:02:01.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/igore-taro-estonia-demands-mandatory-ban-on-tourism-for-russians-en
tags: [igor-taro, estonia, russia, eu-visa, ukraine-war]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# "Optional measures — optional results": Estonia demands a mandatory ban on tourism for Russians

![Tourists on a boat near a seaplane in the Maldives — illustration for the topic of banning tourism for Russians](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/17/igore-taro-estoniya-trebuget-obiazatelno-zapreta-na-turizm-dlya-rossijan/igore-taro-estoniya-trebuget-obiazatelno-zapreta-na-turizm-dlya-rossijan-1.webp)

Igor Tarro, the Estonian Minister of Internal Affairs, voiced sharp criticism of the current European Union policy regarding the issuance of tourist visas to Russian citizens. In his view, the increase in visa approvals for Russians is an absolutely unacceptable fact against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The head of the Estonian Ministry of Internal Affairs presented his arguments at a meeting of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council, which took place in Dublin. Tarro emphasized that the issue concerns not only security matters but also the basic values of the European community.

### Criticism of current recommendations

The key thesis of the speech was the demand to turn recommendations on visa restrictions into mandatory norms for all EU countries. The Minister agreed with the position of European Commissioner Magnus Brunner, noting that the current situation with tourism by Russian citizens is unacceptable.

"While ordinary Ukrainians are dying under rocket attacks, we cannot allow citizens of the aggressor state to relax and go shopping in Europe as if nothing has happened," Igor Tarro stated.

The Estonian Minister pointed out the ineffectiveness of current tools: existing non-binding recommendations have not produced the desired effect, as "optional measures mean optional results." Tallinn insists on implementing a more flexible and stricter system of restrictions.

### Initiative to ban entry

Estonia has initiated the inclusion of Russian military personnel who fought against Ukraine in the Schengen list of persons banned from entry. This initiative has already received support from Latvia, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic. Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Germany also gave a positive assessment of the idea.

The Minister is confident that such individuals must be restricted not only in obtaining visas but also in obtaining residence permits in the EU. In particular, it is proposed to close entry for certain categories of Russian citizens, creating more transparent and strict criteria for admission.

### Reaction of other countries and new entry schemes

European countries continue to consistently increase pressure on Russian citizens, striving to limit their presence in the "civilized world" against the backdrop of aggression. Polish Ministers Radosław Sikorski and Marcin Kerwinski actively supported the initiative of 11 states demanding that the European Commission tighten the issuance of Schengen visas.

EU countries insist that Russian tourists have no right to lead their usual carefree lives in Europe while the war is ongoing. However, despite the mass cancellation of air traffic and strict restrictions on land borders, Russian citizens are finding new loopholes.

Against the backdrop of tightening visa restrictions, a surge in demand for passports of distant island states has been recorded. Russians have begun to massively buy documents to bypass sanctions, with the greatest interest observed in obtaining second citizenship in Vanuatu, as well as São Tomé and Príncipe.