Since 2021, citizens of the Russian Federation are allowed to simultaneously hold two valid new generation foreign passports - both biometric. Previously, the law allowed the simultaneous issuance of two foreign passports, provided that one of them was an old model (for 5 years), and the second was a biometric one (for 10 years). However, since then the procedure has changed: registration of both documents in the new biometric format has become not only possible, but also preferable. It is no longer recommended to issue the old passport format, and it is likely that it will soon be completely withdrawn from circulation.
The right to a second passport opens without the need to surrender the first. Therefore, both documents are valid in parallel. The limitation remains only in quantity: no more than two valid foreign passports per citizen. An application for a second passport will be accepted if the first one is valid. Both passports can work independently of each other. Attempting to obtain a third will result in automatic cancellation of one of the existing documents.
The new international passport contains biometric data: a microchip with the owner’s personal data, photograph and biometric information. The new passport is valid for 10 years instead of 5 years for the old one. The production time for a new passport (3 months) is much longer than the old one (1 month).
Having two passports at once is useful in the following cases:
- The blank pages in one passport are gone, but the passport itself and the visas in it are still valid. Then all current visas from the first passport remain valid or are used as grounds for entry/exit, and new entry/exit stamps are placed in the second passport.
- While one of the passports is at the consulate for visa processing, the second one is allowed to be used for foreign trips.
- With two passports, you are allowed to apply for two different visas at the same time. The first passport is examined at one consulate, and the second at another.
- If there is not much time left before the expiration date of one passport, it makes sense to apply for a long-term visa in another passport.
- For travel to so-called unfriendly or warring powers. In one country you need to present one passport, in another — another.
The procedure for obtaining a second passport does not differ from the standard one. The application is submitted through the portal «State Services», to the MFC or directly to the department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, it must be picked up at the consulate or the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Page «Create a passport» - the same as for ordering the first foreign passport. In the form, you will need to indicate that the passport is being issued in addition to the existing one, and confirm your intention to keep the first document.
That is, in the application it should be noted that you already have a valid passport and you do not want to surrender it. Purpose of design — «In addition to the existing». This is very significant: if you don’t do this, your first passport will be taken away. The second passport can only be of a new type - this must also be noted in the application. If you accidentally order a second old-style passport, the first one will be taken away or canceled one way or another.
Next, you will need to attach an electronic photograph to your application. It is important that it meets all formal requirements - they are specified on the website. If you are over 18 years old, you need to tell about your work over the past 10 years.
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email indicating your application has been accepted. Next, you need to pay the state fee, check the readiness of the passport, sign up to receive a ready passport at the consular department or the Ministry of Internal Affairs and come there with the original documentation.
You will not need any additional reasons or certificates to obtain a second passport. The process is available to all citizens of the Russian Federation, with the exception of persons temporarily restricted in the right to leave the country - for example, due to debts, conscription service or access to state secrets.
Owning two biometric passports is becoming standard practice for those who travel extensively, apply for visas, or are faced with the need to present a «clean» passports.