Czech Republic no longer recognises Russian non-biometric passports
Due to the current geopolitical situation, the Czech Republic has decided not to recognise Russian travel documents that do not have biometric elements, effective from 3 July 2024. The purpose of the measure is mainly to increase security and facilitate the identification of Russian citizens. The changes affect not only Russian citizens planning to travel to the Czech Republic but also those already residing in the Czech Republic.
Czech authorities abroad have stopped accepting applications from holders of Russian non-biometric passports. At the same time, if a holder of a non-biometric passport submitted their application before the entry into force of this notice, the Czech authorities will not place a visa in this passport even if a positive decision on the visa application was made. All Russian citizens are now obliged to present a biometric document before a visa can be granted.
If a Russian citizen is staying in the Czech Republic based on a residence permit and holds a non-biometric passport, it is their obligation to apply for a new document. Since the embassies of the Russian Federation work in a restricted regime, a transitional period has been set until 15 September for them to comply with this obligation. However, at present, it can take up to six months for a new document to be issued. Once a new passport is issued, the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic must be notified of this within three working days.
Russian citizens residing in the Czech Republic after 15 September may be fined if they do not have a valid biometric passport. However, if they hold a valid long-term residence permit, they shall still be regarded as residing in the Czech Republic legally. For pending applications, e.g., for an extension of the residence permit, a biometric document will have to be presented. For this, the administrative authority shall issue a call to remedy deficiencies in the application with a sufficient deadline. If the foreigner fails to comply with the set out requirements on time, the application will not be granted and the proceedings will be discontinued. However, even if the proceedings are concluded before the end of the transitional period, the obligation to have a biometric passport will remain.
Children under 15 years of age, persons enrolled in the Civil Society programme, and holders of visas and residence permits granted in the interest of the Czech Republic are exempt from the obligation to hold biometric passports.
The new rule will make it much more difficult for holders of Russian non-biometric passports to travel. The Czech Republic is not the only country that has stopped accepting such travel documents, thus it is necessary to keep abreast of the rules of entry for Russian citizens to their destination countries. If a holder of a Russian non-biometric passport plans to enter the Czech Republic after 15 September and does not fall under one of the exceptions, they may be refused entry. To persons affected by these new rules, we recommend applying for a new biometric travel document as soon as possible.