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Passport Application in Russia: real experience from chats

Short answer
Russian citizens can legally hold two valid 10-year biometric passports simultaneously, which allows for travel or additional visa applications while one passport is held at a consulate. Applicants can obtain these documents by visiting flagship multifunctional centers (MofK) for immediate biometric data collection or by using local MFC offices if online appointment slots are unavailable.

From real experience

For frequent travelers, especially Russian citizens, obtaining a second 10-year biometric passport is highly beneficial.
When applying for a Schengen or other visa, the primary passport is held at the consulate for the duration of processing (which can be 1-3 months). A second passport allows individuals to travel to visa-free countries, go on business trips, or apply for other visas simultaneously, avoiding travel restrictions during visa processing periods. Russian citizens are legally permitted to hold two valid 10-year foreign passports concurrently.
✓ 1 report from chats
Russian citizens can apply for a new international passport in Moscow without an appointment at 'flagship' multifunctional centers (MofK).
Required documents include the internal passport, previous international passport, and military ID. Applying at a flagship office allows for immediate biometric data collection and photography. A standard processing time is approximately one month, though extra security checks (e.g., for individuals born in Ukraine) may extend this period.
✓ 1 report from chats
For individuals unable to provide fingerprints for biometric passports (due to skin conditions or occupational wear), the standard 5-year non-biometric passport remains a viable alternative in Russia.
Note that some countries are increasingly requiring biometric documents, so check entry requirements for your destination.
✓ 1 report from chats
When applying for a new-generation biometric passport in Russia (specifically St.
Petersburg), if online slots for the MVD are unavailable, visit a Multifunctional Center (MFC). Even if a previous application was started via Gosuslugi and suspended, MFC staff can often handle the biometric capture and documentation process directly via walk-in or local queue.
✓ 1 report from chats

Related topics

🛂 Visa Center Applications and Collection • Appointment Slot Monitoring Strategies • Device Checks and Digital Hygiene • Risks for Individuals with Ties to Ukraine • Entry Rules for Foreign Nationals and Residents • VFS Global Technical Issues

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