Latvia to Ban Non-Biometric Russian Passports Starting July 15, 2025

Latvia will stop recognizing non-biometric Russian passports starting July 15, 2025, as part of a sweeping update to its border control policies. The change, confirmed by Latvia’s Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA), means that Russian citizens entering Latvia must present biometric passports, even if they hold valid Schengen visas issued in older, non-biometric booklets.

The policy applies to both visitors and residents. Russian citizens currently living in Latvia on long-stay visas or residence permits will have until January 15, 2026, to obtain biometric passports. After that deadline, failure to hold a compliant document will be considered a breach of Section 4 of Latvia’s Immigration Law and may trigger administrative penalties under Section 68².

In its official announcement, OCMA stated: “Non-biometric passports do not contain electronic data carriers; therefore, such passports can easily be forged and do not comply with ICAO recommendations.” The decision aligns with European efforts to bolster travel document security and standardize entry protocols.

Regional Restrictions and EU Border Overhaul

Latvia’s move follows similar measures across Europe. Estonia will enforce its own ban on non-biometric Russian passports starting March 31, 2025. Lithuania implemented its restriction on June 1. France, Denmark, Czechia, and Iceland have also stopped recognizing these documents, though each country has adopted the policy at different times.

Exemptions remain in place for Russian citizens transiting by train between Kaliningrad and mainland Russia via Lithuania, preserving the current travel corridor despite broader restrictions.

These coordinated restrictions come ahead of the planned implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), now expected to go live on October 6, 2025. The EES will introduce mandatory biometric checks for non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area, reinforcing the region’s efforts to modernize border management.

Security Motivations Behind the Move

Commentators note that non-biometric passports pose a greater risk of forgery and identity misuse. Eastern European governments have emphasized that the restrictions are designed to close security gaps and reduce the potential for document-based manipulation—particularly amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and concerns about hybrid warfare.

Sources: OCMA, Latvian MFA, IPN

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By Ji-seo Kim