Canadian visa centres in Russia halt document processing

Canadian visa centres in Russia have ceased accepting passports and other travel documents for visa processing as of January 28, 2026, an official notice published by the Government of Canada states.

Russian citizens seeking Canadian visas are now advised to submit their applications through visa centres located outside Russia that meet the relevant requirements.

The Canadian authorities did not specify the reasons behind the suspension of document processing in Russia.

At the same time, Canada’s Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship has reportedly intensified scrutiny of visa applications submitted by football fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The heightened checks are aimed at preventing individuals from entering the country for the purpose of seeking asylum, according to Canada’s local media.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place in summer across three host countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

By Vafa Guliyeva