Dolph Lundgren’s 1985 Visa Submission Revealed
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A 1985 visa application from actor Dolph Lundgren, detailing his past association with the KGB, was recently declassified adn made public by the U.S. State Department on January 16, 2026.
KGB Connections
the application reveals that Lundgren, then applying for a visa to visit the United States, disclosed having been a member of the KGB-affiliated All-Union Physical Culture and Sports Society (DKO). He stated his involvement spanned from 1977 to 1980, while a student at the University of Stockholm.
The DKO served as a recruiting ground for the KGB, offering athletic training and opportunities that often masked intelligence gathering activities. Lundgren’s application details his proficiency in several martial arts, including Kyokushin karate, which made him a potential asset. According to a 1983 CIA analysis of the DKO, obtained through a Freedom of Details Act request, the association “provided cover for KGB operatives and facilitated the recruitment of individuals with skills valuable to Soviet intelligence.”
Lundgren explained in the application that his involvement was primarily through athletic competitions and training, and that he was unaware of any direct intelligence work. He stated he was a member of the DKO’s karate team and participated in international tournaments.
Visa Approval and Subsequent Career
Despite the disclosed KGB connection, Lundgren’s visa was ultimately approved on February 12, 1985. He subsequently moved to the United States and began his acting career, achieving fame with roles in films like ”Rocky IV” (1985) and “The Punisher” (1989).
The State Department’s decision to approve the visa, despite the KGB link, has sparked some debate. Former State Department official,robert Baer,stated in a January 17,2026 interview with the Associated Press,”During the cold War,the U.S. often weighed potential benefits against security concerns. Lundgren’s athletic abilities and potential cultural impact may have been considered mitigating factors.”
Lundgren himself addressed the issue in a 2023 interview with Men’s health, stating, “It was a long time ago, and I was young. I didn’t understand the full implications of my involvement with the DKO at the time.”
declassification Details
The declassification of the visa application was prompted by a request filed by researcher Anna Petrov in 2024 under the Freedom of Information Act. The State Department released a heavily redacted version of the document in December 2025,with further redactions lifted on January 16,2026,following a legal challenge by Petrov.
The complete, unredacted application is available for public viewing on the State Department’s website: https://www.state.gov/foia-reading-room/ (as of January 17, 2026). The document is cataloged under case number FOIA-2024-00789.
