Canada Stops Accepting Russian Visa Applications in Russia, Forcing Applicants Abroad

Canada posted the change on the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, stating that as of January 28, 2026, visa application centers in Russia “no longer accept passports or documents,” and telling applicants to choose a center outside Russia when asked to submit an application.

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Earlier, it European Commission introduced stricter visa regulations for Russian citizens travelling to the EU—eliminating multiple‑entry visas and increasing scrutiny of applications—as a security measure in response to Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine and perceived risks to European security.

In addition, Estonia raised the idea of an EU-wide entry ban on Russian soldiers who fought in Ukraine, with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna saying, “We have close to one million combatants in Russia,“ and adding, “There can be no path from Bucha to Brussels.”

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