Czechia Bans Entry of Russians Without Biometric Passports

Czechia has announced a new policy that bans Russian citizens from entering the country without biometric passports. The decision, effective from July 3, 2024, aims to prevent possible acts of sabotage and ensure heightened security.

The measure was introduced following recommendations from an EU body and has also been adopted by Denmark.

“Security is a priority for our government. We won’t wait for another act of sabotage,” said Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky. “Anyone wanting to stay in our country must prove they are the person they claim to be. For Russians, a non-biometric passport, as used by the Vrbětice murderers, will no longer suffice.”

Lipavsky’s comment references a 2014 incident in Vrbetica, where explosions at an ammunition depot caused by a Russian sabotage operation resulted in the deaths of two people and significant financial damage.

Czechia’s new policy is part of a broader strategy to mitigate security risks posed by Russian nationals. Lipavsky also reiterated his call for the EU to impose movement restrictions on Russian diplomats within the Schengen area, citing espionage concerns.

Earlier attempts by Czechia to restrict the movement of Russian agents within Schengen have faced challenges, but the current geopolitical climate and recent arrests of Russian agents in Germany on espionage charges have added urgency to these measures.

The Czech Foreign Ministry is still determining the procedures for dealing with Russian citizens currently in Czechia without biometric passports. The new regulation aligns with the EU’s ongoing efforts to tighten visa rules and improve security protocols in response to the actions of Russian state actors.

Source: The Kyiv Independent, Schengen News

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July 5, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis