The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia will cease to recognize non-biometric passports of the Russian Federation by the end of March.

Estonia will cease to recognize non-biometric passports of Russian citizens starting from March 31. This was announced on Thursday, March 20, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic.

"Starting from March 31, the Republic of Estonia will cease to recognize non-biometric foreign passports of the Russian Federation. Holders of residence permits from Estonia and other European Union countries who currently use a non—biometric Russian passport must apply for a biometric passport by September 30, 2025," the ministry's website says.

Non-biometric passports issued in Russia do not comply with the recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and pose various security risks, the agency claims.

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On December 29, 2024, Estonian Interior Minister Lauri Leaenemetz expressed the opinion that there was no need to close the borders with the Russian Federation, since this would not solve the security problem. According to him, there is no need to rush to make a decision on the rapid closure of borders in Narva and Southern Estonia, as this may have an impact on local residents.