Prague is navigating a delicate balance between European Union mandates and national security concerns with a recent shift in policy regarding Russian diplomatic travel. Foreign Minister Petr Macinka has authorized a new system requiring only notification-rather than prior approval-for Russian diplomats traveling within the Czech Republic and the Schengen Area, a move that diverges from stricter measures previously considered. The change, implemented to comply with new EU regulations taking effect January 25th, has raised questions about potential security risks given Russia’s adversarial relationship with the Czech Republic and ongoing intelligence threats.
The Czech Republic has adopted more lenient rules for travel within the Schengen Area for Russian diplomats, requiring only notification of travel plans rather than prior approval. The move, implemented by Foreign Minister Petr Macinka, comes as the country navigates European Union regulations and seeks to maintain oversight of Russian diplomatic activity.
Under the new guidelines, Russian diplomats accredited to another EU country are now only required to inform the Czech Foreign Ministry of planned trips to the Czech Republic. Previously, such travel required advance authorization. Macinka explained that he needed to quickly address the change in regulations and, at the ministerial level, could only implement a notification system.
“New rules for the movement and notification of Russian diplomats within the European Union are now in effect,” Macinka said. “I was in a situation where I had to resolve this at the lowest possible level, meaning Russian diplomats must notify authorities when traveling from one state to another.”
He added that stricter measures, such as requiring prior authorization for travel, would need to be approved by the Czech government. The ministry is currently preparing materials for the government to consider at its next session.
The move allows Czech intelligence agencies to monitor the movements of Russian diplomats, according to Macinka. “This notification system is beneficial because it will allow our intelligence services to check Russian diplomats and keep track of their movements,” he stated. “A further step, which could be even stricter – additional authorization – must be approved by the government.”
The previous Czech government had sought to require approval for all Russian diplomatic travel in an effort to limit intelligence gathering under diplomatic cover. While the Czech Republic expelled many Russian diplomats following a 2021 attack on ammunition depots in Vrbětice allegedly carried out by Russian intelligence operatives, Russian citizens with diplomatic passports could still enter the country from within the Schengen Area.
According to a statement provided to Deník N and Seznam Zprávy, the EU adopted measures on January 25, 2026, requiring Russian diplomatic personnel in Schengen countries to inform host nations of their entry into other EU states. The EU regulation also allows member states to require prior approval for such travel, but the Czech Republic is currently only implementing the notification requirement. “Further steps will be taken after evaluating the current practice,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Daniel Drake.
Earlier Restrictions Were Planned Under Previous Administration
The tightening of regulations for Russian diplomats was initially proposed under former Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, but was not implemented before the change in government. The European measure took effect after the new government took office.
“I advocated for restricting the movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen Area because Russian intelligence and influence operations in Europe exploit diplomatic cover and the free movement within Schengen to unnecessarily expand their operational space,” Lipavský told Deník N. “Our goal was to reduce security risks, strengthen controls, and establish fair reciprocity in diplomatic relations. A diplomat accredited in one country should not automatically have the ability to travel throughout Europe.”
Seznam Zprávy reported that Macinka’s decision goes against the recommendations of Czech security forces. The outlet noted that Moscow has listed the Czech Republic as an “unfriendly country” since 2021, and the Czech Security Information Service (BIS) consistently identifies Russia as the greatest security threat to the country.
The Czech Republic’s decision to ease travel restrictions for Russian diplomats underscores the complex balancing act between security concerns and EU regulations. Foreign Minister Petr Macinka has implemented a new system requiring only notification of travel within the Schengen Area, a shift from previous plans for stricter controls.
Under the new rules, Russian diplomats accredited to other EU nations will simply need to inform the Czech Foreign Ministry of planned visits, rather than seeking prior approval. Macinka stated the change was necessary to quickly adapt to EU regulations.
“New rules for the movement and notification of Russian diplomats within the European Union are now in effect,” Macinka said. “I was in a situation where I had to resolve this at the lowest possible level, meaning Russian diplomats must notify authorities when traveling from one state to another.”
He indicated that further restrictions, such as requiring prior authorization, would require government approval and are currently under consideration. The ministry is preparing a proposal for the government to review.
The move allows Czech intelligence agencies to monitor the movements of Russian diplomats, according to Macinka. “This notification system is beneficial because it will allow our intelligence services to check Russian diplomats and keep track of their movements,” he stated. “A further step, which could be even stricter – additional authorization – must be approved by the government.”
The previous government, led by former Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, had sought to implement stricter controls to counter espionage activities conducted under diplomatic cover. While many Russian diplomats were expelled following a 2021 incident involving attacks on Czech ammunition depots, diplomatic passport holders could still enter the country from within the Schengen Area.
According to a statement provided to Deník N and Seznam Zprávy, EU regulations adopted on January 25, 2026, mandate that Russian diplomatic personnel inform host nations of their travel within the Schengen Area. Member states have the option to require prior approval, but the Czech Republic is currently only enforcing the notification requirement. “Further steps will be taken after evaluating the current practice,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Daniel Drake.
Lipavský had previously advocated for tighter restrictions, arguing that the free movement within Schengen provides an operational advantage to Russian intelligence services. “I advocated for restricting the movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen Area because Russian intelligence and influence operations in Europe exploit diplomatic cover and the free movement within Schengen to unnecessarily expand their operational space,” Lipavský told Deník N. “Our goal was to reduce security risks, strengthen controls, and establish fair reciprocity in diplomatic relations. A diplomat accredited in one country should not automatically have the ability to travel throughout Europe.”
Reports indicate that Macinka’s decision deviates from recommendations made by Czech security forces, particularly given Russia’s designation of the Czech Republic as an “unfriendly country” and the Czech Security Information Service’s (BIS) assessment of Russia as the country’s most significant security threat.
