Czechia closes entry to Russian tourists

Starting from 25 October, Czechia has closed entry for Russians visiting the country for tourism, sports, or culture. The new restrictions were announced on 12 October.

According to the Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský’s 12 October remarks, up to 200 Russian nationals were entering the territory of the country daily. He noted that this was occurring at the same time “as Russian rockets fall on children’s playgrounds and on people going to work in Ukraine”. 

“We agreed that the entry would be denied to those Russian citizens who arrive in Czechia via external borders of the Schengen zone, i.e. our international airport, for tourism, sports, and culture. This restriction will apply to travellers with valid Schengen visas issued by any country-member of the European Union,” Lipavský said back then.

In the middle of September, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia agreed on barring Russian nationals with valid Schengen visas from entering their countries via land borders with Russia and Belarus. The ban does not extend towards family members, humanitarian visa holders, diplomats, and people involved in transportation of cargo. Finland and Poland also banned entry for Russians with short-term visas.

The EU countries agreed to suspend the 2007 visa facilitation deal with Russia in late August.