Europe to Stop Recognizing Russia’s Non-Biometric Passports

Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Sweden will stop recognizing Russia’s non-biometric passports.

From 1 October 2026, the Benelux countries will stop recognizing Russian non-biometric passports. 
This decision is explained by the document’s inadequate security: older-style passports have no electronic chip, making it harder to verify the document’s authenticity and the holder’s identity, and therefore increasing the risk of forgery and fraud. 
This information has already been published on the European Commission website. 

Sweden has made an exception: through 31 December 2026 inclusive, for Russians with visas and residence permits obtained before 1 October of this year in EU and Schengen countries.

The restriction also applies to domestic flights within the Schengen Area, despite the absence of border controls. In addition, limited-territorial-validity Schengen visas usually list countries that cannot be entered, even within Schengen, even if the traveler has a biometric passport.

The restriction also applies to domestic flights within the Schengen Area, despite the absence of border controls.

Germany (from 1 January 2026) 
Denmark
Iceland
Latvia
Lithuania (except for rail transit to and from the Kaliningrad Region)
Poland (from 1 April 2026)
Romania (from 1 January 2026)
Finland (from 1 June 2026)
France 
Czechia
Estonia
Belgium (1 October 2026)
Luxembourg (1 October 2026)
The Netherlands (1 October 2026)
Sweden (1 October 2026)

Keep this in mind when planning your trip.