Which countries do not accept five-year passports of Russians?
A number of European countries have restricted or completely banned entry on non-biometric passports (without a chip).
The restrictions are currently in place in 11 countries. The lists are periodically updated on the European Commission website.
Countries and conditions of entry
Germany. A five-year passport is only available if it already has a valid German visa. From January 1, 2026, new visas are issued exclusively in biometric passports. An exception is provided for persons who received a residence permit in Germany before January 1: they can use the old passport until the expiration of the residence permit.
Denmark. Non-biometric passports have not been recognized for years. When trying to enter with such a document, a tourist will not be allowed across the border; a fine or deportation is not guaranteed - the decision remains at the discretion of border guards, including on the issue of visa cancellation. Denmark does not accept visa applications from Russians.
Iceland. Entry with a non-biometric passport is allowed only for children under 15 years of age. For others, a passport with a chip is required. Visa applications from Russians in the country are also not accepted.
Latvia. Since July 15, 2025, non-biometric passports of Russians are not recognized: according to the position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic, they do not meet ICAO standards, are less safe and easier to forge. Being in Latvia with such a document is regarded as a violation of immigration law and faces a fine. If you have a Schengen visa in a non-biometric passport, entry is possible with the simultaneous presentation of a biometric passport.
Lithuania. The ban on non-biometric passports is effective from June 1, 2025. Exceptions:
passengers of trains on the route "mainland Russia - Kaliningrad region" and back in the presence of a simplified travel document (UPD-Rail), which is issued no later than 28 hours before departure;
Persons whose purpose of entry is in the interests of Lithuania (considered individually, for example, for dissidents).
Passengers with a five-year passport can disembark at the border even if they have a Schengen visa.
Poland. Since April 1, non-biometric passports are not recognized. Entry and stay on them are considered illegal, there are no exceptions.
Romania. From 1 January 2026, five-year passports will not be accepted. According to the EU, there are no separate exceptions for categories of citizens.
Finland. Since June 1, 2026, non-biometric passports are not recognized, but there are exceptions:
for citizens under 18 years of age;
for persons who have received a residence permit in Finland before June 1;
when extending the residence permit;
In special cases, the decision is made individually.
Until December 31, 2026, there is a transition period: Finland recognises five-year passports with visas or residence permits issued before 1 June, including in other EU or Schengen states.
France. The ban on non-biometric passports has been in effect since April 2025. The exception is children under 15 who can travel on such documents. Also, according to the European Commission, entry is allowed to persons with a French residence permit or a visa obtained before June 1, 2025, for the entire duration of the document. However, there are cases of refusal of entry and deportation of tourists with such visas - risk is not recommended.
Czech Republic. The restriction has been in effect since September 15, 2024, when authorities consider non-biometric documents to be more vulnerable to forgery. Exceptions are provided for:
for children under 15 years of age;
for holders of visas or residence permits issued in the interests of the Czech Republic.
Estonia. From March 31, 2025, five-year passports will not be recognized for entry due to non-compliance with ICAO recommendations. There are no exceptions, including for children. If a citizen has a residence permit in Estonia and does not plan to travel outside the republic, it is not necessary to change the passport, but it is not suitable for travel.
Additional restrictions for Russian travelers
Visa issuance. In addition to Denmark and Iceland, which do not accept visa applications from Russians at all, a number of countries have suspended the issuance of tourist visas. These include Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the Czech Republic and Sweden. Documents can be submitted if there is a good reason (work, study, visiting relatives, etc.).
Entry across external borders. Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Finland, Norway, the Czech Republic and Estonia have imposed a ban on the entry of travelers across external borders. There are some exceptions: for example, transit to countries outside the EU is possible through Finland.
Air traffic and land borders. Due to sanctions, direct flights between most European countries and Russia are limited: flights are possible with transfers through third countries. Finland has closed all overland checkpoints with Russia; if there is a good reason, you can get by land through Norway.
EU customs sanctions. Travelers are subject to the current sanctions bans:
from Russia to the EU can not import strong alcoholic beverages and cigarettes;
from the EU to Russia - luxury goods more than 300 euros per unit, as well as the currency of the EU countries (excluding funds for personal use).
Before traveling, it is recommended to check the current requirements in official sources and navigators for travelers.
Text and photo:https://www.personalguide.ru/
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