Estonia stops recognising non-biometric Russian passports as of today
Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
31.03.2025
Starting from today 31 March, the Republic of Estonia no longer recognises non-biometric foreign passports issued by the Russian Federation. People who have a residence permit from Estonia or another European Union member state and are currently using a non-biometric Russian foreign passport have until 30 September 2025 to apply for a biometric passport as a travel document.
The non-recognition of a non-biometric foreign passport means that starting from today, it is no longer possible to cross land, air or sea borders or apply for an Estonian visa with a non-biometric passport. Non-recognition applies to all holders of non-biometric foreign passports regardless of their age.
Holders of a residence permit from Estonia or another European Union member state have until 30 September 2025 to change their non-biometric passport for a biometric one. As an exception, holders of a residence permit are allowed to enter Estonia with a non-biometric passport until 30 September.
As of 31 March 2025, non-biometric Russian passports are not recognised or recognised conditionally also by Denmark and Czechia.
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