Finland's Foreign Ministry has declared that, beginning in June, the country will not accept Russian passports that lack biometric identifiers. This decision excludes non-biometric passports held by individuals under 18 and those who have received a residence permit to Finland before June 1, 2026. Additionally, there may be exceptions for non-biometric passports for individuals applying for entry permits or already residing in the country, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The Finnish government's primary aim with this policy is to enhance the reliability of travel documents accepted in the country. The measure reflects Finland's ongoing efforts to adapt its border policies in response to the geopolitical landscape, particularly amid tensions with Russia. Non-biometric passports refer to those that do not feature a technical chip containing biometric data, which can include facial recognition features and fingerprints.

With this decision, Finland aligns itself with broader European Union trends regarding passport and travel document security, as EU nations increasingly prioritize biometric identification to prevent fraud and improve border security. The implications of such a policy could affect travel for many Russian citizens, particularly in the context of strained diplomatic relations between Finland and Russia.