Czech Republic Eases Visa Restrictions for Relatives of Belarusians

Reform.news Editorial Team · 5 October 2026, 21:33

https://reform.news/en/czechia-eases-visa-restrictions-for-relatives-of-belarusians/

The Czech Republic government has approved changes that will allow close relatives of Belarusian citizens legally residing in the country to apply for short-term visas, the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya reports.

Once the changes take effect, parents, grandparents, children and grandchildren of Czech citizens and Belarusian citizens who legally reside in Czechia on the basis of permanent or temporary residence permits will be able to apply for short-term visas.

Kryścina Šyjanok, director of the Office of Belarusian Democratic Forces in the Czech Republic, said the democratic forces would clarify whether the changes also apply to relatives of Belarusians who have international protection in the Czech Republic.

“This is an extremely important step and a clear signal of trust in the Belarusian democratic community. For hundreds of families separated as a result of the Lukashenka regime’s repression, it restores hope and a real opportunity to meet their loved ones,” Šyjanok said.

The issue of easing visa rules has been raised repeatedly by Tsikhanouskaya’s Office at meetings with Czech politicians.