Introduction of biometric documents in the Republic of Belarus

According to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 107 dated 17 March, 2021 «On biometric documents», the following biometric documents are introduced in Belarus starting from September 1, 2021:

(a)            biometric ID card in the form of a plastic smart card with an integrated chip containing electronic means of biometric identification and a cryptographic authentication token:

i.   identification card of a citizen of the Republic of Belarus;

ii. biometric residence permit in the Republic of Belarus of a foreign citizen;

iii.            biometric residence permit in the Republic of Belarus of a stateless person;

(b)           biometric documents for exit and (or) entry the Republic of Belarus in the form of a passport book with an integrated chip containing electronic means of biometric identification:

i.   biometric passport of a citizen of the Republic of Belarus;

ii. biometric diplomatic passport of a citizen of the Republic of Belarus;

iii.            biometric official passport of a citizen of the Republic of Belarus;

iv. biometric travel document of the Republic of Belarus;

v.  travel document issued according to the Convention dated 28 July 1951.

Valid (non-biometric) passports will continue to be used for identification both within the country and for exit from and (or) entry to the Republic of Belarus after September 1, 2021. Citizens of the Republic of Belarus may present either biometric or non-biometric passport. In case a valid visa or other valid entry permit is issued by foreign authorities in a non-biometric passport of a citizen of the Republic of Belarus, both biometric and non-biometric passports will be allowed to be used as an exceptional case.

The issuance of the following non-biometric documents is terminated:

diplomatic passport of a citizen of the Republic of Belarus

official passport of a citizen of the Republic of Belarus;

travel document of the Republic of Belarus;

residence permit of a foreign citizen in the Republic of Belarus;

residence permit of a stateless person in the Republic of Belarus.

These five types of non-biometric documents mentioned above remain valid during their validity period, after which they will be exchanged for biometric ones. Non-biometric passports of the citizens of the Republic of Belarus will continue to be issued.

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