Russia Tightens Controls on International Travel and Passport Handling
A new law in Russia imposes a requirement for citizens who are barred from leaving the country to surrender their foreign passports within five days. The measure was published on the legal information portal on November 24, and it marks a clear shift in how travel restrictions are enforced and managed by state authorities. The ruling is presented as part of a broader framework aimed at regulating cross‑border movement and ensuring state oversight during periods of travel limitation. [Citation: Government decree, official publication, 2023]
Under the provisions of the decree, foreign passports will be retained by the issuing authorities, which may include the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or by other government agencies responsible for travel restrictions. This central retention mechanism is designed to prevent international travel by individuals who have been legally prohibited from leaving the country, while ensuring that the documents remain secure and traceable within the state system. [Citation: Official decree, Article 3]
When the travel ban is lifted, the citizen may reclaim the foreign passport on the day the relevant request is submitted. The decree outlines a straightforward process for returning documents, emphasizing prompt restoration of travel rights once the ban is removed. This procedural clarity is intended to minimize disruption for individuals who may need to travel for emergencies or essential duties. [Citation: Government directive, Appendix A]
According to the law, travel bans can be imposed for several reasons, including compulsory military service, ongoing criminal prosecution, access to state secrets, or various forms of bankruptcy. The breadth of these grounds reflects the state’s concern with controlling cross‑border movements when individual circumstances intersect with national security, legal proceedings, or financial stability. [Citation: Legal framework, Chapter II]
Prior to this development, there were expectations that the state would increase fees associated with issuing new international passports. President Vladimir Putin had ordered a 20 percent increase in the government fee for biometric passport issuance, a move tied to broader administrative reforms and modernization efforts within civil documentation. The policy shift aligns with a trend toward higher costs for international travel documentation and upgrades to border control practices. [Citation: Presidential directive, 2023]
Russians had already been alerted to evolving rules governing travel abroad, with officials signaling tighter controls and updated procedures. The current decree further clarifies those expectations by detailing how travel bans are implemented, how passports are held, and how and when they may be returned. Observers note that the changes could affect individuals preparing for study, work, or family obligations abroad, and may also influence foreign travel planning for those with pending legal or administrative issues. [Citation: Government briefing, 2023]
In practical terms, the new regime introduces a more centralized and transparent approach to managing foreign travel documents. By designating specific agencies to hold passports during bans, the state seeks to reduce the risk of unauthorized travel while maintaining the ability to enforce restrictions quickly. For citizens, this means a clearer path to regain travel eligibility once the ban is officially lifted, without unnecessary delays. [Citation: Legal commentary, policy analysis]
As with any policy of this nature, observers stress the importance of understanding one’s rights and obligations under the decree. Individuals facing travel restrictions should be attentive to the procedural steps required to submit a request for passport return and should remain aware of the specific conditions that can trigger or extend a ban. The evolving landscape of international mobility in Russia continues to reflect the balance between national security imperatives and the practical needs of citizens who rely on travel for education, work, or family reasons. [Citation: Policy review, expert commentary]