Germany seeks further reduction in number of tourist visas issued to Russian citizens

Tourist travel to Germany by Russian citizens cannot continue in its previous form because Russia is waging a war of aggression, Deutsche Welle reported, citing German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Martin Giese.

The German Foreign Ministry said a day earlier that Berlin would tighten entry controls for Russian citizens in response to the drone incident at Leipzig Airport, for which German authorities have held Russia responsible.

Giese noted that different countries apply varying degrees of strictness when issuing visas.

“There is still more to be done in this regard. We will also hold talks with our partners in the European Union on this issue. We want the number of visas issued to be reduced even further,” the German Foreign Ministry spokesperson stressed.

In addition, the measures are intended to ensure that only people who pose no threat are allowed to enter, the diplomat stressed. According to him, the issue falls under the joint responsibility of the German Foreign Ministry and the Federal Ministry of the Interior.