Finland to Ban Non-Biometric Russian Passports from June 2026

New Security Measures for Russian Travel Documents

Finland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs has announced that it will no longer accept non-biometric Russian passports for entry into the country starting June 1, 2026. This decision aims to bolster border security and ensure that all travel documents align with modern international standards. The move is part of Finland's broader strategy to enhance its security posture, particularly concerning its border with Russia.

Non-biometric passports are defined as those lacking an embedded chip that stores biometric identifiers. While Finland transitioned to fully biometric passports in 2006, Russia has continued to issue both chip-enabled and chip-less documents.

Reasons Behind the Policy Change

The primary objective of this new policy is to ensure the reliability and security of travel documents presented at Finland's external Schengen border. Finnish authorities emphasize that biometric features significantly enhance document security and help reduce the risk of fraud and identity manipulation.

This measure also aligns with the forthcoming EU Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric checks, which are scheduled for full rollout in late 2026. The ban is seen as a continuation of Helsinki's security-oriented approach towards Russia, which has been in effect since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Other related actions include restrictions on leisure travel from Russia, the construction of a physical border barrier, and tightened residence permit regulations.

Exceptions and Transition Period

The new regulation includes several limited exceptions to facilitate a smoother transition and address humanitarian concerns:

• Non-biometric passports issued to individuals under 18 years of age will still be accepted.
• Holders of non-biometric passports who were granted a Finnish residence permit before June 1, 2026, will continue to have their documents recognized. They will also be able to apply for extensions of their residence permits using these passports.
• In cases of 'special reasons,' such as urgent medical travel or compelling family circumstances, non-biometric passports may be accepted following individual assessment.

Furthermore, a transition period will be in effect from June 1 to December 31, 2026. During this time, Finland will accept non-biometric Russian passports if they contain a valid visa issued by Finland or another EU Member State or Schengen country before June 1, 2026. This period is intended to allow individuals to prepare for the change and to uphold family life.