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

Canada has stopped accepting passports and other documents for Canadian visa processing at visa application centers in Russia, meaning applicants living in Russia must submit their materials in another country, according to The Insider on January 30.

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.

The Insider said Canada’s closest visa application centers are in Armenia and Kazakhstan, with one location in Yerevan and two in Kazakhstan, in Almaty and Astana.

Canada did not say whether the restriction is temporary or permanent, the outlet added.

The change comes as European countries debate tougher travel restrictions linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

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World

When Europe’s Tourist Visas Become Russia’s Window for Hybrid War

Oct 14, 2025 13:35

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.”

Earlier, it was reported that the 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.

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