Czech visa centres in Russia halt operations

Czech visa application centres in Russia have ceased operations, with all submissions now redirected to the consular section of the Czech Embassy in Moscow.

The final day for applications at regional centres was September 26, while the Moscow centre accepted its last files on September 29. According to the statement by Visa Application Centre, from September 30 onward, Russian citizens seeking Czech Schengen visas must apply directly at the embassy in Moscow, Caliber.Az reports.

The move comes as the Czech government introduced new restrictions on Russian diplomatic travel. Earlier on September 30, Prague announced a ban on entry for holders of Russian diplomatic and service passports who are not accredited in the country.

Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said the measure was prompted by concerns over rising sabotage operations and emphasised that Czechia would continue pushing for stricter security policies at the EU level.

By Sabina Mammadli