Latvian Prime Minister Urges Full EU Ban on Russian Tourist Visas

Andris Kulbergs, who was confirmed as Prime Minister of Latvia on May 28, 2026, and formally elected Prime Minister in October 2026, has consistently pushed for an EU-wide ban on issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens[5][11]. He attributes this necessity to Moscow's escalating hybrid warfare tactics, listing cyberattacks, sabotage, espionage, and drone-related incidents[1].

This persistent advocacy from a European leader signifies a hardening position among some EU member states regarding Russian actions. A comprehensive visa ban would directly affect Russian citizens' ability to travel within the European Union, potentially deepening the diplomatic and economic divide between Russia and the bloc[1][2].

What the records show

Prime Minister Kulbergs has explicitly called for a complete EU ban on issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens[1][3]. He attributes this need to Russia's hybrid warfare, specifically listing cyberattacks, sabotage, espionage, and drone-related incidents as justifications for his stance[1]. In an interview with the Financial Times in October 2026, Kulbergs questioned the continued availability of visas to Russians, given their aggressive actions[2]. He stated, "How the hell can we still have visas available to Russians, who are the aggressors, who are the orchestrators, [when] the theatre of hybrid threats is coming definitely from there and we're still passing on visas, just because that makes some countries money? Come on."[2]. He also told the Financial Times, "Don't freaking let Russians travel to Europe."[2][11].

His advocacy for a "complete EU ban" dates back to at least August 2026, when he was already serving as Prime Minister[3][4][6]. In an August 2026 interview with Politico, he expressed strong disapproval of delays in imposing tougher restrictions[3][8][9][10]. During this interview, Kulbergs asked, "Are we nuts? We allow Russian military soldiers to be given visas, the ones killing [Ukrainians] on the field."[3][8][9][10].

The timeline

Andris Kulbergs was confirmed as Prime Minister of Latvia on May 28, 2026, following his successful formation of a coalition government[5][7]. As Prime Minister, Kulbergs was actively calling for an EU-wide ban on Russian visas by August 2026, and met with European Council President António Costa in Riga on August 26, 2026[3][4][6]. In October 2026, he was formally elected prime minister after securing 35 percent of the vote on a pro-European platform[11]. He reiterated his strong position on Russian tourist visas in an interview published in mid-October 2026[1][2]. Kulbergs came to power after the previous coalition collapsed over its handling of incidents involving stray military drones flying into Latvia, campaigning on security and anti-drone capabilities[7].

What changed and for whom

Kulbergs' consistent position as Prime Minister has been to push for stricter EU-wide measures against Russian citizens traveling to Europe[1][3]. His concerns are rooted in what he describes as Moscow's escalating hybrid warfare, which includes cyberattacks, sabotage, espionage, and drone-related incidents[1]. He has maintained this stance since at least August 2026, showing no shift in his public statements or policy demands[3][8][9][10]. The renewed call in October 2026 highlights his continued push for the EU to adopt a uniform and comprehensive ban, despite what he perceives as a delay in imposing tougher restrictions[1][2][3].

What the subject has said publicly

Andris Kulbergs has been unequivocal in his calls for a visa ban. In an October 2026 interview, he asked, "How the hell can we still have visas available to Russians, who are the aggressors, who are the orchestrators, [when] the theatre of hybrid threats is coming definitely from there and we're still passing on visas, just because that makes some countries money? Come on."[2]. He directly stated, "Don't freaking let Russians travel to Europe."[2][11]. Earlier, in August 2026, he criticized the EU's approach by questioning, "Are we nuts? We allow Russian military soldiers to be given visas, the ones killing [Ukrainians] on the field."[3][8][9][10].

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm specific details regarding which EU countries oppose a complete ban or the financial arguments some countries might present for continuing to issue visas[2]. We also could not confirm the precise number of Russian citizens who have been granted EU tourist visas since the escalation of hybrid warfare tactics[1].