Russia, like many countries, issues different types of passports to its citizens, each serving a distinct purpose. The two primary types of passports issued by the Russian Federation are the internal passport and the international passport. While both serve as official identification for Russian citizens, they are used in different contexts and carry distinct legal and practical implications. Understanding the difference between these two passports is important for both residents and citizens of Russia and for those looking to visit or move to the country.
In this article, we will explore the key differences between internal and international Russian passports, their purposes, and how to apply for them.
What is the Internal Russian Passport?
The internal Russian passport (often referred to as the “Russian national passport”) is an identity document issued to Russian citizens who are 14 years of age or older. It serves as the primary proof of Russian citizenship and is required for accessing many domestic services and functions.
Key Features of the Internal Russian Passport
- Primary Use for Domestic Purposes
- The internal passport is primarily used for identification within Russia. It serves as an official proof of identity for citizens when dealing with government institutions, signing legal documents, and registering for services such as healthcare, education, and social benefits.
- This passport is used for activities like buying property, entering into contracts, or opening a bank account within Russia.
- Format and Appearance
- The internal passport is a booklet that contains various details about the citizen, including their name, date of birth, photograph, gender, and the address of their registered residence (often referred to as the “registration”).
- The passport also contains the citizen’s identification number and information regarding their legal status.
- The internal passport is valid for an indefinite period but must be updated with new personal details when necessary, such as when the individual changes their registered address.
- Required for Domestic Registration
- Russian citizens are required to register their place of residence with the local authorities, and this registration is typically linked to their internal passport. This registration system is often referred to as the “propiska” system, where your residence address is officially recorded.
- Without a valid internal passport, obtaining services like healthcare, education, and even some employment opportunities can be difficult within Russia.
- No International Travel
- The internal passport is not valid for international travel. Its scope is limited to domestic use within Russia and Russian territories, making it inadequate for trips outside the country.
- Availability
- The internal passport is issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD). Citizens receive this document when they reach the age of 14 and it is updated when they turn 20 and 45.
How to Apply for an Internal Passport
To apply for the internal passport, Russian citizens must submit an application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD), either through local offices or through an online portal (if applicable). Documents required typically include:
- Proof of Russian citizenship (birth certificate or previous passport).
- Proof of residence (a document showing your address or an official registration).
- A completed application form.
- Recent passport-sized photos.
For minors, the application is usually made by the parents or guardians. Once issued, the internal passport is typically received within a few weeks, depending on the processing time.
What is the International Russian Passport?
The international Russian passport (or foreign passport) is a travel document issued to Russian citizens that allows them to travel internationally. It serves as the official identification for Russian citizens while traveling outside the Russian Federation and is required to enter and exit foreign countries.
Key Features of the International Russian Passport
- Primary Use for International Travel
- The international passport is specifically designed for international travel. It is required for any Russian citizen who wishes to travel abroad. The international passport serves as proof of citizenship while leaving and entering Russia.
- It is also used for visa applications when traveling to countries that require visas for Russian nationals.
- Format and Appearance
- The international Russian passport is a more formal, booklet-style passport that includes the Russian Federation’s coat of arms on the cover, as well as personal details such as the holder’s name, photograph, birthdate, nationality, and passport number.
- The passport includes pages for visas and entry/exit stamps. It also has a machine-readable zone, biometric features, and other security measures to prevent fraud.
- Russian international passports are issued with a validity of 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under the age of 14.
- Visa and Immigration Use
- Unlike the internal passport, which only works for domestic purposes, the international passport is a requirement for any international travel. It contains visa pages where entry and exit stamps from various countries are placed.
- The international passport allows Russian citizens to enter other countries, obtain visas, and travel freely across international borders, provided they comply with the visa requirements of the country they are visiting.
- Limited Domestic Use
- While the international passport serves as an official identity document when traveling abroad, it is not typically used for domestic identification within Russia. For example, it is not needed for registering a residence address, opening a bank account, or accessing government services within Russia.
- Availability
- The international passport is also issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD), but the application process is separate from the internal passport. For citizens living abroad, Russian embassies and consulates issue the international passport.
Types of International Russian Passports
- Regular Passport: This is the standard version of the international passport for adult Russian citizens. It is typically valid for 10 years and is used for general international travel.
- Children’s Passport: For Russian citizens under the age of 14, a separate international passport is issued. This passport is valid for 5 years and does not allow for the issuance of a visa until the child reaches the age of 14.
- Diplomatic Passport: This type of passport is issued to Russian citizens who are diplomats or government officials and allows for special travel privileges. It is typically not available to the general public.
- Service Passport: This passport is issued to individuals working for the government or other state agencies. It also allows for travel outside of Russia but is typically more limited than the regular international passport.
How to Apply for an International Russian Passport
To apply for an international passport, Russian citizens must submit an application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) or a Russian consulate abroad. The following documents are typically required:
- Proof of Russian citizenship (internal passport or birth certificate).
- A completed passport application form.
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of identity (such as an internal passport).
- For minors, a parent or guardian’s consent and the parent’s passport.
Once the application is processed, the passport is usually issued within 1-2 months, depending on the location and processing times.
Key Differences Between Internal and International Passports
| Feature | Internal Russian Passport | International Russian Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Domestic identification and access to services | International travel and visas |
| Validity | Indefinite (with updates at ages 20 and 45) | 10 years (adults), 5 years (children under 14) |
| Required For | Government services, legal contracts, property ownership | Travel abroad, visa applications |
| Format | Booklet with personal data, photo, and address | Booklet with visa pages, personal data, photo, and entry/exit stamps |
| Issuing Authority | Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) | Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) or Russian consulate |
| Domestic Use | Used for legal identification and residence registration | Not used within Russia for services like banking or healthcare |
Conclusion
The internal and international Russian passports serve different purposes but are both essential documents for Russian citizens. The internal passport is used primarily for domestic identification and accessing services within Russia, while the international passport is essential for traveling abroad and applying for visas. Understanding the differences between these two types of passports is crucial for Russian citizens, especially those living abroad or considering international travel.
If you are in need of either passport, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and gather the necessary documents to apply. Whether you need to renew an internal passport for domestic use or apply for an international passport for travel, the process is manageable with the right information and preparation.
