Russia continues issuing biometric foreign passports, according to a Telegram channel named Basis. The update notes that international passport production has returned to normal operations, but processing times could lengthen because of a backlog of applications that built up during the disruption. Previously, biometric foreign passport issuance was paused starting February 2 because the Mikron facility reportedly could not meet the demand for embedded chips used in the documents.
Earlier communications from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia claimed that there was no policy change in principle regarding passport issuance elsewhere, while also acknowledging the pause. The pause was attributed to technical issues beyond the control of the department, rather than changes in government policy toward passport validity or renewals. In practice, this meant that people applying for new international passports could face delays while the systems for chip embedding and document production were adjusted and scaled to meet demand once again.
Official sources offered some clarification on fees and refunds. It was stated that the government fee for a passport embedded with an electronic chip would be returned if the applicant chooses not to utilize public services. This clarification came as part of broader discussions around how the suspension impacted consumers who had already paid duties but could not complete the passport process during the disruption. The situation underscores the complexities of modern document programs that rely on specialized hardware and secure issuance processes, where even a temporary interruption can ripple through timelines and budgets for travelers, students, expatriates, and professionals who rely on these documents for international mobility.
For those watching developments from Canada and the United States, the core takeaway remains that biometric passport programs are sensitive to supply chain realities and technical hiccups. While normal operations have resumed, the travel community should anticipate potential delays in appointment scheduling and delivery times as production lines catch up with demand. Stakeholders are advised to stay informed through official Ministry of Internal Affairs communications and to plan accordingly if passport renewal or new applications are on the horizon. The ongoing updates also highlight how government services handle refunds and service options when routine procedures are temporarily interrupted, a topic that often affects how travelers navigate immigration and border processes across borders. This episode serves as a practical reminder of the interdependence between hardware supply, government service delivery, and the travel plans of people who rely on biometric immigration documents, and it demonstrates how authorities communicate changes to the public during periods of operational stress. Attribution: Basis Telegram channel for the initial reporting, with official statements summarized from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and related government updates.