Europe Tightens Entry Rules: Seven Countries Ban Non-Biometric Russian Passports

Travelers holding older Russian passports without biometric chips are losing access to more European destinations. According to lawyer Galina Zemkova, who spoke to RIA Novosti, Denmark, Malta, the Czech Republic, Iceland, Norway, Lithuania, and Estonia now refuse entry to Russians using non-biometric passports.

France has also imposed a ban, though with two exceptions: children under 15 are still allowed, and anyone with a Schengen visa issued before June 1, 2025, can enter. Finland plans to follow suit starting in early summer 2026. Its rules will exempt travelers under 18 and those holding a Finnish residence permit issued before June 1, 2026. For Finnish visa holders, a transition period runs through December 31, 2026.

The changes affect millions of Russians who still carry older-style passports without the embedded electronic chip that stores biometric data. As more European nations adopt stricter border controls, travelers are advised to check their passport type before booking trips. Zemkova notes that the list of restricted countries may grow, so staying informed is key for anyone planning travel to Europe.