The measure means that Russian citizens who arrive in the Czech Republic from outside the Schengen area for the purpose of tourism, sport, and culture will be denied entry.

About 200 Russians arrive in Czechia every day via its international airports, according to Czech officials.

“Russian rockets are falling on children’s playgrounds and on people who are simply going to work, up to 200 citizens of the Russian Federation travel to the Czech Republic via the international airport every day. That is why we agreed that entry will be denied to those Russian citizens who come to the Czech territory via the external Schengen borders for the purpose of tourism, sports, or culture. This measure will apply to travelers with a valid Schengen visa issued by any EU member state,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jan Lipavský, said.

The Czech Republic is a popular destination for Russian tourists. In 2017, over 550,000 Russians visited the country. (ILKHA)