4 out of the 5 EU countries bordering Russia are banning Russian tourists, even if they hold visas for the border-free Schengen zone

Four of the European Union countries that share borders with Russia have begun rejecting Russian tourists even if they hold visas for the border-free Schengen zone.

In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, five European countries joined together to impose new sanctions on the country.

Russia is an unpredictable and aggressive country. The war is supported by three quarters of its citizens. According to the Associated Press, the interior minister ofLithuania said that it was unacceptable that people who supported the war could freely travel around the world. Threats to the security of our country and the EU can be posed by such support.

"Do not try to cross the border, you are not welcome here," said the foreign minister of Latvia.

—Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) September 16, 2022

Although the EU banned Russian flights from its airspace over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Russian travelers have been touring countries in the bloc with border-free visas by taking circuitous routes to their destinations.

Only one EU country is open to Russian tourists. A ban on visas for Russian tourists could be against the agreement, according to the president of the country. The issuing of visas to Russians has been tightened.

The EU tightened visa rules for Russians. The European Commission says that less than 1 million Russians have valid visas.

The EU is divided over the issue of banning Russian tourists. The call for a ban on Russian tourists was turned down by Germany and France. Concerns were raised about the movement of Russians who want to leave the regime.

"While understanding the concerns of some member states in this context, we should not underestimate the power of experiencing life in democratic systems at first hand, especially for future generations," read a Franco-German document seen by the news agency. Our visa policies should reflect that and allow for people-to-people contacts in the EU with Russian nationals not linked to the Russian government.

There are exemptions from the travel ban imposed by the four EU countries that include family members of EU citizens, Russian dissidents, and serving diplomats.

It's not clear how the four countries will enforce the ban if Russians enter from other EU countries.