Czech Republic tightens travel notification rules for Russian diplomats

The Czech Republic has tightened its notification requirements for Russian diplomats travelling into the country, introducing new rules that require them to provide authorities with advance details of their movements.

Under the measures, which came into effect on September 23, Russian diplomats must notify Czech authorities at least one day before crossing the country’s border. They are required to provide information on the purpose of their trip, planned route, duration of stay and accommodation, Caliber.Az reports via Czech media.

The move follows earlier calls from the Czech parliamentary opposition for stricter controls on the movement of Russian diplomats. In February, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said his government would introduce rules requiring Russian diplomats arriving in the Czech Republic from other countries to obtain prior authorisation before entering the country.

Foreign Minister Petr Macinka said in early September that his ministry, working with Czech security services, was preparing a proposal to strengthen the existing notification system.

The notification mechanism is used by EU member states to monitor the movements of Russian diplomats within the Schengen Area. Under the system, countries can regulate diplomats’ travel by granting or refusing permission for certain movements.

By Sabina Mammadli