Czech Foreign Ministry proposes permanent ban on visas for Russians and Belarusians

CTK reported the information.

It noted that Russians and Belarusians who already have a residence permit in the Czech Republic are not subject to these rules. The resolution also does not apply to applications for short-term visas if the applicant is a family member of a Czech citizen or EU citizen.

It also does not apply to applications for a visa, temporary or permanent residence permit if the applicant's stay is for the benefit of the Czech Republic and this interest is confirmed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The rules do not apply to applications for a long-term residence permit if the applicant is a family member of a foreigner with a residence permit in the Czech Republic. Belarusian citizens can apply for a residence permit to study at a university on the basis of scholarships provided by the Czech Republic, the European Union or international organizations.

The Czech government stopped issuing visas to Russian citizens, except in humanitarian cases, immediately after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They were also banned from visa-free transit through Czech airports. Starting in 2023, the ban will also apply to citizens of Russia and Belarus who have dual citizenship. 

• Earlier, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský proposed to add to the new package of sanctions against Russia a proposal to restrict the movement of Russian diplomats.