Starting June 1, 2025, Lithuania will no longer recognize non-biometric international passports issued by the Russian Federation. The policy change, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is part of a broader effort to enhance national security and align with international travel document standards.
Lithuania Aligns With Regional and EU Standards
The move mirrors similar actions taken by neighboring states. Estonia stopped recognizing non-biometric Russian passports as of March 31, 2025, while the Czech Republic, France, Denmark, and Iceland have introduced comparable measures. These changes align with broader European Union security strategies, particularly in response to Russia’s ongoing military aggression in Ukraine.
Under Lithuania’s new rules, Russian travelers must carry biometric passports that meet ICAO 9303 standards for machine-readable travel documents. Only Russia’s 10-year passports include biometric data; the shorter five-year versions are not compliant and will no longer be accepted.
Certain exemptions apply. Russian citizens living in EU or Schengen countries may continue using their current passports until December 1, 2025. Travelers transiting by rail between Kaliningrad and mainland Russia are also excluded from the requirement. Estonia, for its part, has granted a transition period through September 30, 2025, for residents with valid permits to switch to biometric documentation.
Biometrics and Border Security Across Europe
The passport restriction reflects a wider push toward standardized biometric verification across the European Union. The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), set to launch in late 2025, will collect fingerprint and facial recognition data from all non-EU travelers entering the Schengen area. The system is being developed and managed by eu-LISA, which is also coordinating other interoperable databases to support border control and identity verification.
Russia has responded with its own biometric measures. As of December 1, 2024, foreign nationals entering via Moscow airports or selected land borders must provide biometric data. The program is expected to expand nationwide by June 30, 2025. Exemptions include diplomats, Belarusian citizens, and children under six.
The changes come amid increasing political tension between Russia and the Baltic states. While designed to bolster security and standardize documentation, the new restrictions have sparked concerns about administrative burdens on residents with outdated passports and the humanitarian impact on dissidents and displaced individuals. Critics have also called for clearer guidelines on exemptions for minors and special cases.
The passport requirement is part of a larger European trend, underscored by Italy’s adoption of biometric fingerprinting for long-term Schengen visas. These measures illustrate the EU’s coordinated strategy to modernize travel systems and enhance border protections amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Sources: Report.az, Smartraveller
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May 23, 2025 – by Ali Nassar-Smith
