The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has many consequences. It is causing supply problems for certain commodities, but also tensions at diplomatic level. A case in point is Mexico's new decision to refuse electronic visa applications from Russian citizens. Indeed, their requests are rejected by the system through a message written in Ukrainian.
A refusal to process requests from Russian citizens
Russia's war against the Ukraine has led to multiple economic sanctions. Several countries have expressed their disagreement by taking measures against the country led by Vladimir Putin. This is particularly true of Mexico, which has taken important decisions.
These include refusal to process electronic visa applications from Russian nationals. What's more, the notification is written in the Ukrainian language. This sends a strong message to the Russian people following the conflict unleashed by their state in Eastern Europe.
Under the current system, to travel to Mexico, it is necessary to use a dematerialized procedure to obtain an e-visa. To do so, the traveler must first enter his or her nationality. As soon as the applicant indicates that he/she is a citizen of the Russian Federation, he/she is notified in Ukrainian: "Application not processed".
Yet previously (since 2017) any Russian national could visit Mexico with this electronic authorization. They even benefited from an exemption if they held a valid visa:
- a North American country (United States or Canada) ;
- of Japan ;
- of the United Kingdom ;
- from a Schengen country.
For stays of less than 180 days, he could go to a port of entry without prior authorization.
This measure taken by the Mexican government is not an isolated case. Ukraine also applies restrictions to Russian nationals.
Ukraine changes border rules, Putin responds to "unfriendly" countries
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decided to stop the practice of "visa-free travel. This measure now requires Russian citizens to request authorization to enter Ukrainian territory. This was a popular demand following Putin's invasion of their country. Putin has also put an end to visa facilitation procedures previously granted to certain countries.
So those he considers "hostile" or "unfriendly" are affected by this decision. This is his response to the sanctions imposed mainly by the European Union. Nationals such as Danes, Norwegians and Swiss no longer benefit from simplified procedures. Iceland and Liechtenstein are also affected.
Since April, this information has been available on the Russian legal portal. In February, the European Union and the United States decided to impose sanctions against Russia.. Putin's stance in these cases has been to retaliate to the extent of the measures taken. That's why he decided on these visa restrictions.
The Russian-Ukrainian conflict is not limited to military battles between the two countries. It is the source of several measures restricting the movement of people. As a result, many countries are experiencing diplomatic difficulties with Russia.
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