Passport Issuance and Use in any: real experience from chats
From real experience
tipHolding two valid passports can be a practical strategy for frequent travelers, especially when one passport is tied up during a visa application process.
While one passport is submitted to a consulate for a visa, the second, valid passport can be used for other travel. It is generally recommended to have two 10-year passports, as 5-year passports are less common for new issuances and may offer less utility. This dual-passport approach ensures continuous travel capability.
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ruleTo renew a Russian international passport at a consulate abroad, a valid current international passport is sufficient; a valid internal Russian passport is not mandatory.
If all Russian identity documents (both internal and international passports) are expired, the consulate must perform a mandatory citizenship verification procedure (which is time-consuming and subject to a fee) before accepting a renewal application.
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ruleWhen applying for a visa, it is often recommended to include copies of previous passports, especially if they contain relevant visa stamps or travel history.
For Australian visa applications, this typically involves providing scans of the main page and pages with visas or entry/exit stamps from significant countries. The purpose is to demonstrate a travel history. While major visas like those for the USA or UK are important, minor visas from countries like Turkey or Egypt might not be as crucial unless specifically requested. If you hold dual citizenship and have a passport from another country, it is mandatory to declare and submit this passport as well. Failure to disclose all passports can lead to visa refusal. The relevant section for these documents is usually labeled 'Evidence of the applicant's previous travel' or similar.
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riskFor Russian citizens, a common misconception is that an international passport with a maiden name becomes invalid 6 months after marriage.
While the internal Russian passport must be changed within 30 days of surname change, an international passport is technically valid until its expiration date, provided all travel documents (tickets, visas) match. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that border control or airlines may deny boarding due to strict interpretations or perceived discrepancies. General advice is to change the passport to avoid potential issues.
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ruleIt is possible to apply for a visa using an internal passport that is still valid at the time of application, and then travel with a newly issued internal passport (provided the foreign passport with the visa remains valid).
If personal data changes after application submission (e.g., surname change), keep a copy of the old internal passport for potential border control verification.
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how-toTo obtain a Russian international passport while abroad in Georgia, individuals must use the 'Section of Interests of the Russian Federation at the Embassy of Switzerland in Georgia'.
Queue for application at tbilisi.kdmid.ru and fill out the form at passportzu.kdmid.ru. Be aware of potential long queues. For urgent passport needs, consider applying through Russian embassies in Armenia or Turkey, as the process is generally faster there. The passport processing time is approximately 3 months, regardless of the application location.
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ruleRussian consulates abroad generally cannot renew or issue internal Russian passports.
This procedure typically requires returning to Russia. Despite some anecdotal claims of renewal via consulates in certain countries (e.g., Israel), official policy indicates it's only possible within Russia.
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tipTo obtain a 10-year Russian international passport, if encountering issues with appointment slots, try checking different passport offices (MVd departments) as availability can vary.
Sometimes, one office may be full while another has openings. Perseverance in checking online booking systems is key.
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riskA passport with water damage or visual defects (such as green halos around the photograph) should be replaced.
Border control officers may refuse entry or exit with such damage. While domestic travel within Russia might be possible with a damaged document, international travel carries a significant risk of being denied crossing.
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how-toIf a Russian citizen loses their passport abroad, they must contact the Russian consulate in that country.
The consulate will issue a temporary document for exit, enabling the individual to travel back to Russia.