Russian Non-Biometric Passports No Longer Accepted in Lithuania from June
Lithuania to Stop Recognising Russian Non-Biometric Passports from June 1, 2025
Starting June 1, 2025, Lithuania will no longer accept non-biometric international passports issued by Russia as valid travel documents, citing national security concerns amid evolving geopolitical tensions.
?? Security-Driven Decision Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Lithuania’s Minister of the Interior, Vladislav Kondratovič, stated that the move is a necessary response to the current geopolitical situation and aligns with Lithuania’s national security interests.
“In exceptional cases, entry with a non-biometric Russian passport will still be allowed for democratic opposition members, independent journalists, or civil society activists—if their visit serves Lithuanian state interests,” Kondratovič added.
? Decision Officially Adopted on May 23
The joint decision was issued by Lithuania’s Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Interior on May 23, halting the recognition of non-biometric Russian passports. However, limited exemptions will apply, such as:
- Transit travel by rail from Kaliningrad (Königsberg) to mainland Russia and vice versa.
? Enhanced Border Control & EU Alignment
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kęstutis Budrys, explained that Lithuania is joining other EU countries—Denmark, Czechia, Estonia, France, and Iceland—in restricting entry with Russian non-biometric passports.
“It’s nearly two years since Schengen restrictions on Russian special services personnel began. Some major terrorist attacks in Europe were carried out by GRU agents using falsified documents. Biometric passports make identity forgery more difficult, increasing the safety of our citizens,” Budrys stated.
? Why Non-Biometric Passports Are a Risk
The non-biometric passports issued by Russia fail to meet ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards. Unlike biometric passports, they lack embedded fingerprints and facial recognition data, making them more vulnerable to forgery and identity fraud.
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