Starting from June 1, 2025, Lithuania no longer accepts Russian passports lacking a biometric feature, as stated by Alexey Zhuravlev.
Starting June 1, 2025, Lithuania joins a group of fellow countries in ditching Russian passports without biometric chips. These include Denmark, the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, and Iceland. That's right! No more ordinary passports unless your visit aligns with Lithuania's national interests.
Why the change? Well, this move is part of an EU-wide crackdown on visa and border controls. Let's be clear, no additional nations have jumped on this bandwagon yet, but who knows what the future holds?
Meanwhile, expect potential extra hurdles from other European countries when it comes to Russian travel. But for now, the biometric chip is the only ticket to visit Lithuania - and five other countries. So, if you're planning a trip there, make sure your passport is up-to-date!
Oh, and if you're Deputy Zhuravlev, maybe it's time to reassess your travel plans!
In light of this, it's crucial to monitor political developments and policy-and-legislation changes in the EU, especially those related to travel, as Lithuania joins others in denying ordinary Russian passports from June 1, 2025. Moreover, it's essential to keep abreast of general news in the realm of politics and border controls, as various European countries may impose additional hurdles for Russian travel.