Poland No Longer Recognizes Non‑Biometric Russian Passports

Key Point  

• Poland announced that it will stop recognizing non‑biometric Russian passports for entry and stay beginning 1 April 2026. 

Biometrics for Russian travelers  

Poland will cease accepting five‑year, non‑biometric Russian passports as valid travel documents starting 1 April 2026, according to an announcement from the Office for Foreigners (UdSC).  

Under the new policy, Poland will no longer allow Russian citizens with older, non‑biometric passports to enter or remain in the country. Only biometric passports with an electronic chip will be valid for border crossings and lawful stay.

Why the Policy Shift? 

The government says the change aligns Poland with broader EU security measures and follows similar restrictions already in place in several Schengen countries. It advises Russian nationals to obtain a biometric passport to avoid travel disruptions or immigration violations.

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