How to get a Russian passport while living in the United Kingdom?

The Russian government introduced some restrictions on the entry of foreign citizens after the outbreak of coronavirus. They enforced temporary restrictions on exit and entry through land borders of Russia. Duration of these restrictions is unspecific. A Russian passport is necessary to fly to other countries. For this reason, you will need a Russian passport. The most important requirement to fulfil for a passport is Russia passport photos.

You can visit a Russian consulate in the United Kingdom to get your passport. Fortunately, foreigners can apply for a Russian red passport after fulfilling requirements for citizenship.

Check Your Eligibility for Russian Citizenship

You are eligible for Russian citizenship if you are born in this country. Moreover, one or even both of your parents must be a Russian national. Naturalisation is another method to get Russian citizenship. The naturalisation law of Russia allows foreigners to apply for Russian citizenship. By investment or marriage in Russia, you can get its citizenship.

Naturalisation Process for Russia

Naturalisation is an essential process for foreigners to get a Russian passport. You can achieve naturalisation through marriage, business or investment. Foreigners should get naturalisation before applying for the citizenship of Russia.

It is not possible to apply immigration to Russia from other countries. You must have a Russian visa to visit Russia and then apply for permanent or temporary residence.

Visit Russian Embassy to Apply for a Passport

You have to visit a Russian embassy to apply for a new passport in Russia. Moreover, you can apply for a renewal if your passport is expired. This process will start with filling out a renewal application. Book your appointment for a new passport at the embassy.

• Make sure to arrange relevant documents and Russia passport photos to avoid possible delays. Here are some easy steps to apply for a Russian passport:
• Fill in a renewal form in English or Russian.
• Email a complete questionnaire and scan all the copies of requested documents.
• Fill in the authorisation for a credit card to make payment.
• The passport consultant will help you in filling a form and booking an appointment at a Russian consulate.
• Attend your fixed appointment and fulfil all the requirements.

You have to check available links regularly because it will help you to enter the queue once again through a link, such as http://london.kdmid.ru/queue/. Make sure to collect necessary documents and apply at the embassy in person.

Essential Documents to Support Passport Application

Your age must be 18 years or more to apply for a Russian passport. Make sure to support your application with these documents:

• Two copies of the application (printed on a double-sided paper)
• 35mm x 45mm five photos
• Colour, black/white photos
• Copy of current Russian passport
• Copy of British passport or UK Visa
• Russian national red passport if the current passport of Russia is expired, damaged or lost.
• Police confirmation report for your lost documents, if your present red passport is stolen or lost.

Application for Biometric Passport

Biometric passports for Russia are valid for ten years. If your age is more than 18 years, you can apply for a biometric red passport. You will need the following documents:

• Printed application on the double-sided paper sheet.
• Foreign travel document or the Russian passport.
• Copy of overseas travel passport (particularly a page with personal details).
• A photocopy of Russian passport or original passport.

Russia Passport Photos

If you want to renew the passport of Russia, you have to arrange the perfect Russia passport photos. It is crucial to meet the essential specifications for the documents. For a visa application online, you have to arrange perfect photographs. In this way, you can save your money and time. Make sure to visit websites to find out the specifications of photographs.

• Size of the photo must be 35mm x 45mm.
• A digital or scanned photo should be finished in colour.
• Head position and size: head must fill almost 50% of the photo. It should be squared and centred off with a camera.
• Background: Soft or white coloured. No designs and plain.
• It must be taken within the last six months.
• No smile in the picture and keep your face relaxed and mount closed.
• Eyes must be open and looking at the camera.
• Glasses are not allowed, but you can wear it if you have a medical certificate or wear them daily. Remember, glasses must not block your eyes.
• Moreover, headgear in Russia passport photos is not allowed. You may wear headgear for medical or religious purposes only.
• Size and dimensions (pixels) are none specified.
• Dress code, clothing and attire must be simple. You are not allowed to wear law enforcement, uniforms and military attire.
• Beard is optional, and you will need an application.

You have to attach one photograph for every application. If you want to apply to your spouse or children, you will need a copy of their photographs. The passport processing period for 14 years old maybe 2 to 3 months. Permission of one parent is enough to apply for the passport of children.

Tips to getting Russia Passport Photos

For Russia passport photos, you have to understand the regulations of the Russian government for photos. Keep yourself relaxed before taking photographs. Choose a professional photographer for these photos. Make sure to arrange sufficient light for clear pictures.

Remember, wrong Russia passport photos may be the reason behind rejection of your passport application. For this reason, you have to consider professional services for these photographs. The photo must be printed on top-rated matt paper with 600 dpi print resolution.

Use a digital camera for better results. Remember, a photo should be neutral in skin tone and colours. Make sure to keep it free from impurities or creases. The photograph should not be manipulated by softening lines or removing spots. Use colour photographs for visa application.

Small children or infants are unable to support their body and must be photographed when lying down from an elevated position. You can use your arms or hands to support them, but these must not be visible in the photo.

Harper Harrison

Harper Harrison is a reporter for The Hear UP. Harper got an internship at the NPR and worked as a reporter and producer. harper has also worked as a reporter for the Medium. Harper covers health and science for The Hear UP.