Poland may reinstate visa requirements for citizens of Georgia, Venezuela, Colombia, and Armenia. Warsaw is raising this issue against the backdrop of increasing threats from Russian and affiliated espionage networks, which have led to a series of arrests within the country, according to Polskie Radio.
The government is analyzing potential changes to visa policy to close border vulnerabilities and seek exceptions to Schengen rules. This decision comes after a series of operations against foreign agents and sabotage groups, which law enforcement says were coordinated by Russia.
Polish authorities emphasize that the current wave of espionage involves not only traditional intelligence-gathering methods but also attempts to destabilize critical infrastructure and exploit organized crime channels.
“This is a matter of national security that cannot be ignored,” said a source from the Ministry of the Interior.
Although no official decisions have yet been made, the government is seeking EU support to introduce targeted restrictions. This is a complex task because visa-free agreements do not allow member states to unilaterally impose new visa barriers, except in cases involving national security threats.
It is worth noting that including Armenia on this list has sparked controversy: the country already lacks visa-free access to Poland, and its crime rate is considered low. According to Numbeo, Armenia ranks among the ten safest countries in the world, and the UN and the U.S. State Department classify it as a low-risk destination for travelers.
At the same time, Polish analysts believe that the increased activity of Russian agents and associated networks, which reportedly use third-country nationals as cover, is forcing Warsaw to reconsider entry rules.
Recent arrests of dozens suspected of cooperating with Russian intelligence have acted as a catalyst for the discussion. Among those detained are Russian citizens and others suspected of espionage and sabotage preparation. These incidents have strengthened the position of those advocating for stricter border controls.
