The Czech government has escalated its security posture by banning entry for holders of Russian diplomatic or service passports who are not officially accredited in Prague. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský announced the measure on 1 October 2025, citing ‘repeated acts of sabotage’ and the need to prevent intelligence activity under diplomatic cover.
The order applies primarily at international airports, where border police have been instructed to deny boarding at origin or refuse entry on arrival. Relocation managers moving Russian executives through Prague must now double-check passport types and accreditation letters to avoid expensive turn-arounds.
Concurrently, all Czech visa centres in Russia, operated by VFS Global, ceased accepting applications after 29 September 2025, effectively freezing new short- and long-stay visa issuance for Russian citizens. Corporate mobility teams are re-routing Russian assignees through Czech embassies in third countries, though appointment slots are scarce.
The step aligns Prague with Baltic and Nordic states that previously closed the door to Russian tourists. However, the Czech move goes further by targeting even official passport holders unless on assignment to the Czech mission. EU diplomats say the policy could become a template for a Schengen-wide stance if tension with Moscow persists.
The order applies primarily at international airports, where border police have been instructed to deny boarding at origin or refuse entry on arrival. Relocation managers moving Russian executives through Prague must now double-check passport types and accreditation letters to avoid expensive turn-arounds.
Concurrently, all Czech visa centres in Russia, operated by VFS Global, ceased accepting applications after 29 September 2025, effectively freezing new short- and long-stay visa issuance for Russian citizens. Corporate mobility teams are re-routing Russian assignees through Czech embassies in third countries, though appointment slots are scarce.
The step aligns Prague with Baltic and Nordic states that previously closed the door to Russian tourists. However, the Czech move goes further by targeting even official passport holders unless on assignment to the Czech mission. EU diplomats say the policy could become a template for a Schengen-wide stance if tension with Moscow persists.
