Russian non-biometric passports no longer valid for border crossing

TALLINN - Due to the discontinuation of recognition for non-biometric foreign passports, all holders of Estonian and other European Union residence permits using a Russian non-biometric passport were required to obtain a biometric travel document by Sept. 30 to cross the border after this date.

Estonia ceased recognizing Russian non-biometric travel passports on March 31 of this year, which means these passports can no longer be used to cross the Estonian border or to apply for an Estonian visa.

The non-recognition applies to all holders of non-biometric passports, regardless of age. For holders of Russian non-biometric passports with a residence permit in Estonia or other EU countries, a transition period to obtain a biometric passport was in effect until Tuesday, Sept. 30.