 The Russian embassy in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo: Themoscowtimes.com) |
Citing national security concerns, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský told reporters that the entry restrictions on Russian diplomats would take effect immediately. Holders of Russian diplomatic and service passports not recognized by the Czech Republic will be denied entry at the country’s international airports.
The ban does not apply to diplomats already holding permits issued by Prague, or to individuals transiting through the Czech Republic to reach their place of employment or to attend the meeting of an international organization.
As of Monday, all Czech visa application centers in Russia have ceased operations. Russian citizens wishing to apply for visas must now submit their applications directly to the Czech Embassy in Moscow.
