All Czech visa application centers in Russia have stopped accepting visa requests, according to an official notice posted on the website of VFS Global, Czechia’s visa processing operator.
The last day applications were accepted was September 29. After processing all applications submitted before then, the centers will fully cease operations.
Going forward, Russian citizens seeking a Czech visa will need to apply directly through the Czech Embassy in Moscow, the notice says.
Additionally, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský announced on Tuesday that Czechia has banned entry to holders of Russian diplomatic and service passports who are not accredited in the country.
“Sabotage operations are on the rise and we will not risk agents operating under diplomatic cover. We are setting an example for other countries and I will continue to push for the most rigorous measures at the Schengen level. We will defend Czechia,” Lipavský said on X.
Sign up for Meduza’s daily newsletter
A digest of Russia’s investigative reports and news analysis. If it matters, we summarize it.