Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg will change their policy on Russia’s ordinary and service passports without an electronic data carrier on 1 October 2026. From that date, non-biometric Russian passports will no longer be recognized.
The Russian Embassy in Belgium said the move was expected and aligned with the European Union’s policy of expanding the use of modern technologies in border control. The embassy said the decision was linked to the rollout of the electronic Entry/Exit System.
Similar measures already in force in 11 countries
Germany, Denmark, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Finland, France, Czechia and Estonia have previously introduced similar measures concerning non-biometric Russian passports.
Older Russian passports covered
The European Commission’s table on the recognition of travel documents states that Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg will no longer accept Russia’s non-biometric passports from 1 October 2026.
The measure covers older Russian passports without an electronic data carrier. These documents are issued for five years.