The Czech Republic will not issue visas to Russians and Belarusians until April 2023

According to Interfax , citing data from the National Press and Information Agency of the Czech Republic, the decision was made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the government of the country.

This step is designed to protect foreign policy interests and ensure the security of the Czech Republic.

By imposing restrictions on the issuance of visas, the Czech Republic intends to put pressure on Russia and Belarus allied with it for the sake of the speedy end of the military operation on the territory of Ukraine.

The restrictive measure will not affect those who require a humanitarian visa and those who already have a residence permit that needs to be renewed. Exceptions will be made for family members of foreigners with a residence permit in the Czech Republic.

Czech visas to Russians have ceased to be issued since February 24, when Russia announced the start of hostilities on the territory of Ukraine. At the same time, the Czech authorities closed the Russian consulates in Karlovy Vary and Brno and suspended the work of consular offices in St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg.

Meanwhile, a number of European countries resumed issuing visas to Russians in June.

Moreover, the German authorities made a public statement that they would receive in a simplified manner journalists, social activists and civil activists from Russia who are in danger in their homeland due to their disagreement with the military special operation and the actions of the Russian authorities.