Russian citizens abroad are limited in their freedom by one fundamental factor: the validity of their passport. Without a valid passport, it's impossible to do anything in the host country, let alone renew local documents. We learned how to renew a Russian citizen's passport in Georgia (and, using Georgia as an example, in all other countries), and decided to share this information in detail.
So, here's the Russian Federation citizen's international passport. It's issued in two formats: the "old" one, without an electronic data carrier and valid for 5 years, and the "new" one, with a biometric chip and valid for 10 years.
The following rules currently apply for obtaining a foreign passport:
- You can obtain a second passport in addition to your first. A second passport is issued only in the new style.
- You can change your main passport. You can change it to either a "new" or an "old" one.
What's the difference between them, and which one should you choose? Surprisingly, we primarily advocate for the "regular" passport. Yes, it has a shorter validity period, but it's processed directly at the consular office and is much faster. It's worth noting that processing times for international passports through consular offices are longer in Russia: in our case, a regular passport took two months, while a biometric one took four.
>>> 2025 update: Most consulates have now significantly sped up the process of replacing foreign passports; the procedure can be completed in as little as 1 month.
The procedure for replacing a passport
1) Contact the Russian visa center (optional)
To be seen at the consulate, you must have a completed application for a new passport. The Russian visa center will help you fill out the application correctly and immediately schedule an appointment with the consulate (visa centers have designated slots for this purpose). Alternatively, you can complete the forms yourself and schedule an appointment at the consulate to submit your documents. However, it's easier to do this through the visa center.
2) Submit documents for replacement or issuance of an additional passport
Arrive at the consulate at the appointed time (or better yet, a little early). In Tbilisi, for example, even if you have a specific appointment time, there's still a live line, and it's better to be closer to the front than the back. If you're applying for a regular passport, you'll need to bring passport photos in addition to the application form. If you're applying for a biometric passport, they'll take your photo on the spot.
We pay the fee (in cash) and submit the application. We receive a receipt confirming that the documents have been accepted. Please note: a military ID card is not required , nor is a residence permit required.
3) We wait until the passport is ready
If you've applied for a biometric passport, you can track its progress online. It takes longer to process and is printed in Russia, but you can track the entire process. If you're exchanging your passport for a regular one, you won't be able to track it, but the processing time is typically minimal, about two months. When you think it's time to pick it up, you can call the consulate in advance.
4) We take the passport
Return to the consulate at the designated time for document collection, preferably half an hour beforehand. The line is formed in advance, and again, it's better to be at the front than the back. Present your current passport, have your information verified, sign, and receive your new one. Ideally, you should bring the fee payment receipt and your domestic passport for the issuance stamp, but if you don't have them, that's okay.
Verdict: Replacing your passport abroad isn't as quick as in Russia, but it's extremely simplified. Before applying for a new passport, make sure you have no travel restrictions.
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