Germany stops accepting Russian non-biometric passports starting January 1, 2026
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Starting January 1, 2026, Russian citizens will need a biometric international passport to enter Germany and apply for a visa. Rules, timelines, exceptions, and what holders of old-style passports need to do.
Starting January 1, 2026, Germany will introduce a new rule for Russian citizens — the country will no longer recognize old-style, non-biometric Russian international passports (with a 5-year validity). This means that only biometric passports will be accepted for obtaining visas, entering Germany, and staying in the country.
What exactly is changing
1. Effective from January 1, 2026
- From this date, Germany will stop accepting non-biometric Russian international passports (5-year validity) for entry and visa issuance.
- The rule applies to short-term Schengen visas, as well as all types of visas and residence permits.
- If a German visa has already been issued in an old (non-biometric) passport and is still valid, that passport may be used until the visa expires for entry and stay.
- Similarly, if a residence permit was issued before January 1, 2026 on the basis of a non-biometric passport, it remains valid until the end of its legal validity period.
- From January 1, 2026, new visas and residence documents will not be issued on the basis of non-biometric Russian passports.
Why this matters and the reason behind the change
✔ Biometric passports contain an electronic chip with the holder’s data (photo, fingerprints, etc.), making them more secure and reliable for border control.
✔ Many EU countries have already stopped recognizing non-biometric Russian passports — this is part of a broader Schengen-wide trend.
✔ Many EU countries have already stopped recognizing non-biometric Russian passports — this is part of a broader Schengen-wide trend.
What Russian citizens should do if they hold an old-style passport
1. Apply for a Biometric Passport
2. If You Have Already Applied for a Visa
3. If You Already Have a Valid Visa
- A Russian biometric passport is issued with a chip and is valid for 10 years.
- It will be mandatory for visas and entry into Germany from January 1, 2026.
2. If You Have Already Applied for a Visa
- If your visa application was submitted before December 31, 2025, but the visa is not issued before January 1, 2026, you will need to provide a biometric passport to complete the process.
3. If You Already Have a Valid Visa
- A valid visa issued in a non-biometric passport remains valid until its expiration.
- You may replace your passport, but the visa in the old passport retains its legal validity.
How this will affect visa procedures
✔ Only biometric passports will be accepted for visa applications.
✔ Non-biometric passports will be excluded from the list of acceptable documents for new visas and residence permit renewals.
✔ Anyone planning travel to Germany in 2026 or later must take this requirement into account well in advance.
✔ Non-biometric passports will be excluded from the list of acceptable documents for new visas and residence permit renewals.
✔ Anyone planning travel to Germany in 2026 or later must take this requirement into account well in advance.
Key dates
- Until December 31, 2025 — visas can still be issued in non-biometric passports and used for entry after that date if the visa is already issued.
- From January 1, 2026 — only biometric Russian passports will be accepted for visas, entry, and legal stay in Germany.
Conclusion
Starting January 1, 2026, Germany is tightening document requirements for entry: old-style non-biometric Russian passports will no longer be valid for visas, entry, or residence permits. This change is crucial to consider when planning travel or visa applications to avoid refusals and complications.
Recommendation: all Russian citizens planning to travel to Germany or other EU countries in 2026 and beyond should apply for a biometric international passport in advance.
Recommendation: all Russian citizens planning to travel to Germany or other EU countries in 2026 and beyond should apply for a biometric international passport in advance.
Why do customers choose Visa Dan?
Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:
- Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
- Complete transparency and support at every stage.
- A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
- Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.
The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!