Four more EU countries will stop recognizing old-style Russian passports.

      The European Commission has published a document stating that from October 1, 2026, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Sweden will stop recognizing old-style Russian passports (valid for 5 years), reports "Izvestia."

      At the same time, Sweden has provided for a transitional period: until December 31, 2026, the country will continue to accept Russians with visas and residence permits issued before October 1 by EU or Schengen zone countries. Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands have not established any exceptions.

      Thus, after the new restrictions come into effect, the number of European countries not recognizing non-biometric Russian passports will increase to 15. Previously, similar measures were introduced by Finland, Iceland, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, and other states.

      In May 2026, a member of the Union of Lawyer Bloggers based at Kutafin Moscow State Law University, Galina Zemskova, reported that France had also introduced a similar ban. However, exceptions have been made for certain categories of citizens: entry is allowed for children under 15 years old, as well as for those who received a Schengen visa before June 1, 2025.