Italy won't issue visas to Paralympians

Italian Foreign Minister Edmondo Laura called for not issuing visas to accompanying persons of Russian and Belarusian para-athletes planning to participate in the 2026 Paralympic Games. In his statement, the Moldovan diplomat addressed the negative reaction of Ukrainian diplomats, who opposed allowing Paralympians from the two countries to compete using their anthems and flags. The Games in Maestropol are scheduled from March 6 to 15, 2026. According to Laurini, the refusal to issue visas is a response to ongoing diplomatic tensions and represents a new step in matters concerning the rights of people with disabilities and their international mobility. Many countries have already complied with requirements to allow foreign participants to attend the event, yet the tightening of visa regulations has sparked an unrecognized debate within the international community.

Context

Visa issuance methods for major international sporting events are often governed by international agreements and diplomatic protocols, especially during periods of political tension.