Latvia to Stop Recognizing Non-Biometric Russian Passports from July 15, 2025

Starting July 15, 2025, Latvia will no longer recognize non-biometric Russian passports as valid travel documents. Only biometric passports will be accepted for entry into Latvia. The older five-year passports, which do not contain an electronic chip, will no longer be considered valid at the Latvian border, as stated on the official government website.

The publication notes that the Russian authorities currently issue two types of passports — biometric and non-biometric. Non-biometric passports lack electronic chips that store data and do not comply with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) recommendations. As a result, they pose a security risk, as they do not allow for reliable identity verification and are more susceptible to forgery.

From July 15, Latvia will also refuse visa applications and residence permit requests from holders of non-biometric passports. Even if travelers possess valid Schengen short-term visas, they will not be permitted entry into Latvia without a biometric passport. However, those who enter Latvia before the cutoff date may remain in the country and exit according to the terms of their existing visa.

A six-month transition period is granted to Russian citizens who already hold long-term visas or Latvian residence permits. They will be allowed to continue residing in Latvia and crossing its borders until January 15, 2026, giving them time to obtain a biometric passport.

Latvia is not the first EU country to tighten documentation requirements for Russian citizens. Since April 23, 2025, France's visa center in Moscow has stopped accepting applications with non-biometric five-year passports. Similar restrictions are already in place in Czechia, Denmark, and Estonia.

Most other European countries still accept all types of Russian passports, but this may soon change. The EU is moving toward modernized border control standards. Biometric passports, containing not only personal data but also fingerprints and digital photos, allow for enhanced identity verification. In some cases, they even include iris recognition. This technology dramatically reduces the risk of forgery.

In October 2025, the EU will start implementing the Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires biometric passports. EES will create a centralized database that stores travelers' personal data, biometrics, border crossing records, and visa refusal entries. This system aims to better enforce Schengen area rules and prevent overstay violations.

Although travelers with old, non-biometric passports will not be officially banned from entering the EU, experts advise upgrading to the 10-year biometric passport to avoid future complications.

After the full implementation of EES, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will become operational in Q4 2026. It will apply to citizens of around 60 visa-free countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Travelers will have to submit an application at least 96 hours before arrival, pay a fee, and undergo security checks.

This measure is in line with global border protection standards and aims to minimize entry risks for the EU.

In addition, the European Commission's plan for digital transformation of Schengen border procedures includes the transition to fully digital visas for third-country nationals. A dedicated online application platform is expected by 2028, streamlining border procedures and boosting security.

Overall, the EU is clearly shifting to mandatory biometric verification and modernized control systems. As a result, biometric documents will likely become compulsory for all third-country nationals, including Russians, within the next few years.