# Latvian Prime Minister Urges Full EU Ban on Russian Tourist Visas

> Andris Kulbergs, Latvia's Prime Minister, consistently calls for an EU-wide ban on Russian tourist visas, citing Moscow's escalating hybrid warfare tactics.

By PrimaryBrief newsroom · Published 2026-10-18T20:17:44.970067Z
Canonical: https://primarybrief.com/article/latvian-prime-minister-urges-full-eu-ban-on-russian-tourist-visas-2ccdc8a7

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].

## Evidence cited
1. Latvia calls for visa ban on Russians (www.ft.com) — https://www.ft.com/content/75a42e7d-1497-4760-bd75-1cbd083fc9a4?syn-25a6b1a6=1
2. Financial Times interview with Andris Kulbergs, October 18, 2026 (Financial Times) — https://www.ft.com/
3. Politico's Brussels Playbook interview with Andris Kulbergs, August 17, 2026 (Politico) — https://www.politico.eu/
4. europa.eu — https://europa.eu/
5. Andris Kulbergs — https://wikipedia.org/
6. PM Kulbergs says total Russian grain ban is not possible. — https://lsm.lv/
7. Latvian PM wins election with broad margin after campaigning on security, anti-drone capabilities — https://japantimes.co.jp/
8. Latvian PM Slams EU Over Incomplete Ban On Russian War Participants — https://eurointegration.com.ua/
9. Latvian Prime Minister Slams EU For Allowing Russian Combatants To Enter — https://pravda.com.ua/
10. Latvian Prime Minister sharply criticizes EU's position on allowing Russian soldiers to enter — https://rbc.ua/
11. Latvia calls for visa ban on Russians (Financial Times) — https://ft.com/