BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 19. Beginning July 15,
2025, Latvia will recognize only biometric passports issued by the
Russian Federation as valid travel documents for entry into the
country.
Trend reports
with reference to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic
of Latvia that the decision impacts short-stay visa holders, as
well as those applying for visas or residence permits.
The measure is being introduced due to international travel
standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO), which biometric passports meet. Unlike biometric passports,
non-biometric ones do not include electronic data carriers, making
it impossible to verify identity through digital means. These
passports are also considered more vulnerable to forgery and
manipulation.
As of the effective date, Latvian authorities will stop issuing
visas in non-biometric Russian passports. Applications for
residence permits submitted using such documents will also no
longer be accepted.
Russian citizens who hold valid Schengen short-stay visas but do
not have a biometric passport will be denied entry into Latvia
after July 15. However, those who entered Latvia before that date
may remain in the country and are permitted to leave within the
validity of their existing visas.
Russian nationals currently residing in Latvia with valid
long-stay visas or residence permits will not be immediately
affected. They may continue to live in, enter, and leave Latvia
using their existing documents. A transitional period will be
granted, lasting until January 15, 2026, allowing them time to
replace their travel documents with biometric passports.
