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Starting this month of July, Russian visitors to Prague will need more than just their old passports to enter the city. The Czech Republic has announced a new rule that bans Russian citizens from entering the country if they don’t have a modern, high-tech passport. This change is happening because Czech leaders want to make the country safer and stop possible trouble-makers.

Why the New Rule?

Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky explained, “We want to keep Prague safe. Anyone coming to our city needs to prove who they are. The old Russian passports aren’t good enough anymore.”

The government is worried about sabotage – secret attacks that could harm the country. In 2014, an explosion at an ammunition depot in the Czech Republic killed two people. Czech officials believe Russian agents caused it using fake identities.

Prague isn’t alone in making this change. Denmark has also stopped accepting old Russian passports. Other countries in Europe might follow soon.

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What is Different About the New Passports?

The passports Prague now requires are called “biometric” passports. They have special computer chips inside with information like fingerprints and face scans. This makes them much harder to fake than old paper passports.

“Old passports are too easy to change or copy,” said Mariana Wernerova from the Czech Foreign Ministry. “We need to be sure people are who they say they are.”

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What Happens to Russians Already Here?

The government is still figuring out what to do about Russian visitors already in Prague with old passports. For now, they might be considered to be in the country illegally.

A Bigger Push for Security

This new rule is part of a bigger plan to make Europe safer. Minister Lipavsky wants all European countries to be more careful about letting Russian diplomats move around freely. He thinks some might be spies.

“We have to protect our democratic countries,” Lipavsky said.

What This Means for Travelers

If you’re planning a trip to Prague, here’s what you need to know:

– Russian visitors need a new, biometric passport to enter.

– The rule starts on July 3, 2024.

– Other European countries might make similar changes soon.

– Non-Russian travellers aren’t affected by this specific rule.

Prague remains a welcoming city for tourists from around the world. This new passport rule is just one way the Czech Republic is trying to keep both visitors and locals safe while still enjoying all the beauty and history Prague has to offer.