Policy update on visa and residence permits for Russian and Belarusian nationals
The Czech government has broadened its prohibition on issuing visas and residence permits to citizens of Russia and Belarus. The announcement was provided by the government press office and is linked to the leadership of Prime Minister Peter Fiala.
The decision to halt visa issuance for Russian and Belarusian nationals was taken in connection with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The initial ban was set to end on March 31, 2024, but no expiration date is currently scheduled, following a recommendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that residence permit applications from Russian and Belarusian citizens will not be processed. There are exceptions, however. Opposition representatives and students may be eligible under specific educational and work recruitment circumstances in the Czech Republic.
Short-stay visa applications may still be considered for applicants who are family members of Czech or EU citizens.
Previously there were reports about pressure on Russians in Sri Lanka amid a separate incident at a hotel, where local hotel staff and police faced scrutiny. The Russian embassy pressed for consideration of repatriation to Russia for those affected, and Sri Lankan authorities initiated an investigation after intervention from the Russian consul. This episode is cited to illustrate the sensitivity and complexity of international travel and protection matters for Russian residents abroad.
Earlier political communications from Russian leadership urged cautious optimism, underscoring the broader geopolitical messaging surrounding these travel and residency policies.