Russia Calls Sweden's Passport Ban Artificial Barrier
Moscow 17 Aug Vesti. The Russian Embassy in Stockholm called the Swedish decision to stop recognizing Russian non-biometric passports an artificial barrier for Russian citizens.
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 (4 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
- Russian Embassy calls Sweden's decision on passports an artificial barrier — Москва 24