Germany and Romania have stopped recognizing Russian passports without biometrics since January 1.

Germany and Romania, starting from January 1, 2026, stopped recognizing old—style Russian passports without biometrics, and Poland will take the same measures from the beginning of April next year. This is evidenced by a document published on the website of the European Commission (EC).

Thus, according to the table of passports of third countries accepted by the European Union (EU), Berlin and Bucharest decided not to accept the passports of those Russians whose documents are "non-biometric". It also states that Warsaw will do the same starting from April 1, 2026.

Access is slightly open: how will Russians be able to enter the EU with a 5-year passport

A number of countries, including Denmark, the Czech Republic and the Baltic republics, are no longer allowed without biometrics.

Kirill Budaev, Senior Adviser and head of the consular Department of the Russian Embassy in Spain, said on December 7, 2025 that Spain was likely to impose restrictions on entry and residence permits for Russian citizens with old-style passports valid for 5 years.

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