Back to the USSR: Russian citizens will have to obtain a visa to leave the country

The Russian Foreign Ministry is developing a law to return to the exit visa practice that existed in the USSR under the pretext of strengthening the "security" of citizens abroad, writes the Telegram channel "We Can Explain" citing a source in Russian diplomatic circles and another source close to the presidential administration.

According to the channel's sources, Russians will only be able to travel to "unfriendly" countries in organized groups of at least 10 people with an escort and on a pre-approved route. Individual tourism to other countries may be permitted—their list has not yet been determined. But even in this case, an exit visa will be required. According to one of the sources: "What is happening now—bought a ticket and flew—should not be. The state must give permission."

It was previously reported that Russia has already restricted trips by scientists to "unfriendly" countries: the Ministry of Education and Science sent a letter to federal educational and scientific organizations demanding a "thorough assessment for possible politicization" of events in a number of foreign countries.

The Russian Foreign Ministry denies preparations to introduce exit visas. The ministry's official representative Maria Zakharova called the publication "nonsense" and "classic foreign agent stuff."

Source: DW