Russia Calls Sweden's Passport Ban Artificial Barrier
Russia's embassy in Stockholm criticized Sweden's decision to stop recognizing Russian non-biometric passports from October 1, calling it an artificial barrier for Russian citizens. Other EU countries, including Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, will also cease recognizing these passports from the same date.
Consensus
- Sweden will stop recognizing Russian non-biometric passports starting October 1.
- The Russian embassy in Stockholm described the decision as an artificial barrier for Russian citizens.
- The Russian embassy stated it will assist Russian citizens with issues arising from the new rules.
- Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands will also stop recognizing Russian five-year non-biometric passports starting October 1.
- The decision by Sweden and other EU countries was not unexpected to the Russian embassy.
- The change affects Russian citizens traveling with non-biometric passports issued in Russia.
Points of divergence
- Sweden has a transition period until the end of 2026, allowing entry for Russians with visas or residence permits issued before October 1. — vedomosti
- The Russian embassy noted that the move aligns with the broader trend among EU countries to reject old document formats. — kommersant
Coverage (3 sources)
- Russian Embassy calls Sweden's refusal to recognize non-biometric passports a barrier — Вести
- Russian Embassy calls Sweden's refusal to recognize passports without biometrics a barrier — Ведомости
- Russian Embassy calls Sweden's decision on passports an artificial barrier — Коммерсантъ