Russia Bans 103 Canadian Citizens from Entering the Country

Kathmandu. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation has announced a permanent entry ban against 103 Canadian citizens. In a statement issued on June 16, 2026, Moscow said the decision was taken in response to the Canadian government’s sanctions policy against Russia.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the list includes members of the Senate of Canada, members of the House of Commons, ministers’ parliamentary secretaries, secretaries of state, members of Parliament without portfolio and other Canadian public figures. The Ministry said the activities of those individuals were aimed at discrediting Russia’s constitutional order and foreign policy, as well as supporting efforts to unlawfully confiscate Russian sovereign state assets.

Moscow accused the government of Prime Minister Mark Carney of continuing what it described as the anti-Russian course of the previous Justin Trudeau administration. The Russian side also said Ottawa has maintained moral, financial and military-technical support for the authorities in Kiev.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said Russia has traditionally held the people of Canada in high regard, but rejects what it called the hostile policy pursued by Canada’s current political leadership. According to Moscow, Ottawa’s policy denies Russia’s rights and interests and has systematically damaged bilateral relations between the two countries.

Russia also warned that it would continue to respond appropriately to what it described as provocative actions by Canada. The Ministry said such actions could include direct encouragement of the Kiev authorities to carry out terrorist acts or interference in the internal affairs of the Russian Federation.

Canada, for its part, has maintained that its sanctions against Russia are linked to its position on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Canadian restrictions against Russia include asset freezes, transaction bans, export controls on certain goods and technologies, measures targeting the Russian energy sector and rules related to Russian vessels.

Canada has expanded Russia-related sanctions since 2014. In 2026, Ottawa also announced additional measures targeting Russia’s energy revenues and what it described as the shadow fleet. Canada has said these steps are part of its policy to increase economic pressure on Russia and continue support for Ukraine.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the practice of expanding Russia’s stop list to include citizens of Canada and other unfriendly Western countries directly involved in anti-Russian activities would continue. The decision reflects the continuing diplomatic tension between Russia and Canada.