Figure Skater Gumenik Discusses Visa for 2026 Olympics

St. Petersburg figure skater Pyotr Gumenik reported that for his trip to the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy, he may not need to obtain a visa. However, the situation requires clarification since Italy is part of the Schengen Area.

«Everyone is convincing me that I don»t need a visa, that they«ll let me through somehow since I»m an Olympian. I«ve already asked everyone just in case, and they all tell me it»s not needed. I hope that«s true,» Gumenik stated.

The athlete noted that he hasn«t purchased tickets yet, although he plans to depart on February 7, three days before the short program. His coach, Veronika Daineko, has been handling visa matters and obtained a visa for herself.

According to the Olympic Charter, a participant«s accreditation along with a passport may grant the right to enter the host country without a separate visa. The document stipulates that the Olympic card verifies identity and allows stay in the host country during the Games, as well as for a month before and after.

However, Italy is part of the Schengen Area, where EU migration rules apply. The European Union«s visa code for members of the Olympic family establishes a simplified procedure for obtaining visas, not an automatic visa-free regime. A similar system was used at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Gumenik«s coach Veronika Daineko stated that there are no visa issues for the athlete.

«Petya doesn»t need to worry about the visa. Since he passed the qualifying tournament, he has an electronic visa that is part of his Olympic Games accreditation,« Daineko is quoted as saying.

The International Olympic Committee previously confirmed that Russian athletes will be able to participate in the 2026 Olympics under a neutral status, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

The Winter Olympic Games will be held from February 6 to 22, 2026, in Milan and Cortina d«Ampezzo. Final clarifications on the visa regime for participants are expected after all accreditation procedures and agreements with the host side are completed.