“Live in Russia!” Embassy Offers Czechs “Humanitarian” Visas

The Russian Embassy in Prague has introduced a new type of visa targeted at Czechs who align with what Russia describes as “traditional Russian spiritual and moral values.”

However, Czech Foreign Ministry spokesperson Daniel Drake has criticized the initiative, calling it part of Russia’s “information war against the West.”

Russia’s New “Humanitarian Support” Visa

The visa, valid for 90 days, was established under a decree by Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to the Russian Embassy, the visa is open to citizens of countries included on a specific list. These nations, Russia claims, promote “destructive neoliberal ideological positions that contradict traditional Russian values.”

The list includes countries such as the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Bulgaria, and Spain.

Applicants do not need to demonstrate knowledge of the Russian language, history, or legal system. However, they must provide a criminal record certificate, which must be apostilled or legalized, translated into Russian, and notarized. The embassy notes that the notarization can be completed by a Russian consular official or a certified notary in Russia.

Additional Requirements for Residency

For those seeking temporary residence, additional documentation is required. This includes proof from the Ministry of Internal Affairs that the applicant does not use narcotics and a certificate confirming the absence of HIV infection. Applicants must also undergo fingerprinting, a photography session, and an interview as part of the process.

Czech Foreign Ministry Warns Against Travel

Czech authorities have expressed strong concerns about the visa initiative. Daniel Drake emphasized that this program is part of Russia’s broader strategy to influence perceptions in Western countries.

“A close look at Russia’s human rights record, economic situation, and global ambitions shows why tens of millions of Russians have fled the country,” Drake remarked. He reiterated longstanding warnings from Czech diplomacy against traveling to Russia.

According to Drake, approximately 32 individuals are registered in Russia through the DROZD system (a voluntary registration platform for citizens traveling abroad).

However, the ministry believes that between 2,000 and 3,000 Czechs currently live in Russia, though the trend is reportedly declining.

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