US EditionCzech Republic Curbs Russian Diplomats’ Entry, Citing Security Concerns
- On September 30, 2025, the Czech government prohibited entry at international airports to Russian diplomats and official passport carriers who lack accreditation from the Czech Republic.
- The ban responds to ongoing security concerns linked to Russia's espionage, hybrid operations, and sabotage activities targeting Europe since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky initiated the measure, stating it applies at all six Czech international airports and excludes diplomats accredited in Prague or those attending international meetings.
- Lipavsky noted the Czech ban takes effect immediately and that Russia’s diplomatic network conceals agent networks endangering security, adding Prague will push for similar Schengen-wide measures.
- This national restriction sets a precedent within the EU, signaling stricter controls on Russian diplomats and emphasizing reciprocity amid rising espionage efforts across Europe.
40 Articles
40 Articles
Czechia Bans Russian Diplomatic Passport Holders
On Tuesday, September 30th, the Czech Republic announced a ban on Russian diplomatic and business passport holders from entering the country, citing national security concerns and calling it the first measure of its kind in the European Union. The EU is considering limiting the movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen visa-free travel zone. Prague has long proposed restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats following the start o…
Czech Republic curbs Russian diplomats’ entry, citing security concerns
The Czech Republic announced on Sept 30 it was restricting holders of Russian diplomatic and business passports from entering the country in what it said was a European Union first, citing security concerns.
The Russian Foreign Ministry is studying a new Czech entry ban for holders of Russian diplomatic and service passports, said ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, calling it a crazy measure. However, she said the ministry will not officially comment on the ban until later.
The neighbouring country of the Czech Republic now wants to push Kremlin agents forward and thus prohibit Russian citizens from entering the country with diplomatic passports and business visas to a large extent.The danger posed by Russian intelligence agencies has been a concern of the EU and NATO member of the Czech Republic for years. In 2024, the Czech domestic intelligence service BIS warned of Russia's efforts to establish a "wider spy net…
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