Latvia Revokes Acceptance of Russian Passports without Biometric Features
From July 15, 2025, Latvia will only accept biometric passports issued by the Russian Federation as valid travel documents for entry, visa issuance, and residence permits. This move aligns with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and aims to enhance security by facilitating secure electronic identity verification and reducing the risk of forgery.
Key changes include:
- **Visa Issuance**: Latvia will cease issuing visas in non-biometric Russian passports and will no longer accept visa or residence permit applications with such documents.
- **Entry Denial**: Russian citizens holding valid Schengen short-stay visas in non-biometric passports will be denied entry to Latvia starting July 15, 2025.
- **Transitional Period**: Russian nationals with valid long-stay visas or residence permits currently residing in Latvia who hold non-biometric passports can enter and leave Latvia until January 15, 2026. After this date, they will need to replace their passports with biometric ones to maintain their legal status and travel rights.
- **Transit**: Russians without biometric passports will not be allowed to enter Latvia even for transit purposes after July 15, 2025.
It is important to note that Russia issues both biometric and non-biometric passports. Citizens who have entered Latvia before July 15, 2025, can remain in Latvia and leave the country during the validity period of their Schengen visa, regardless of whether their passport is biometric or not.
However, during the transitional period, citizens of the Russian Federation with long-stay visas and residence permits issued by Latvia can still use their non-biometric travel documents. After January 15, 2026, they must have a passport containing biometric data to reside in, enter or leave Latvia.
Latvia will no longer accept applications for residence permits from Russian citizens who do not hold a passport with biometric data. This policy change reflects the global trend towards more secure travel documents and the need for enhanced border control measures.
[1] Latvian Foreign Ministry [2] Latvian Ministry of Interior [3] International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- The new policy-and-legislation implemented by Latvia from July 15, 2025, aligns with global trends and reflects the need for more secure travel documents, as it no longer accepts applications for residence permits from Russian citizens without biometric passports.
- In the realm of politics and general-news, the move by Latvia to accept only biometric passports as valid travel documents starting from July 15, 2025, involves a significant change in visa issuance, entry denial, transitional periods, and transit policies, aimed at enhancing security and border control measures.
