Germany Proposes EU-Wide Rejection of Non-Biometric Russian Passports

EU Considers Ban on Older Russian Passports

According to Главком: The European Union is evaluating a proposal to stop recognizing non-biometric Russian passports for travel. This initiative, spearheaded by Germany, will be discussed at a technical level by EU member state representatives. Germany itself ceased accepting these older Russian documents from January 1, 2026. The proposal has also gained support from the Czech Republic, Finland, Poland, and Romania. This move is part of a broader effort by Western nations to increase pressure on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

National Restrictions and Exemptions

Several EU and Schengen Area nations have already enacted similar national restrictions. Finland will implement its ban starting in the summer of 2026, while the Czech Republic plans to do so in July 2024. Other countries that have previously introduced comparable measures include:

• Denmark
• Estonia
• France
• Iceland
• Lithuania
• Latvia

These policies are designed to enhance border security by phasing out less secure, non-electronic travel documents.

Both Finland and Germany have outlined specific exemptions to their bans. Finland will make exceptions for individuals under 18, Finnish residence permit holders, and others whose cases are reviewed individually. Germany will accept the older passports from those holding a valid German visa. The cumulative effect of these measures is expected to significantly complicate travel to Europe for Russian citizens still using non-biometric passports, reflecting a trend toward greater international isolation for Russia.

As the EU moves towards a more unified approach to border security, Finland's upcoming ban on older Russian passports highlights the growing trend among member states to impose similar restrictions. This shift not only aims to enhance safety but also reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the desire to isolate Russia further in the wake of its actions in Ukraine.