Bashkortostan residents have been reminded of changes to rules for traveling abroad with children

Starting January 20, the procedure for children traveling abroad will change. Previously, only a birth certificate was required for children under 14 to travel to Abkhazia, Belarus, South Ossetia, Kazakhstan, and the Kyrgyz Republic. However, starting January 20, a passport is now required.

The Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Tourism of Bashkortostan reported this.

"Children who have already traveled abroad with a birth certificate before this date will be able to return home with it. If you are planning a trip with a child under 14, obtain a passport for them at least 1 month in advance. This can be done through Gosuslugi, at MFCs, territorial divisions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Migration Issues in Russia, and at consular offices abroad," explained the administration of the Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights. Only a legal representative (parent, adoptive parent, guardian, or trustee) can apply.

Furthermore, starting January 20, 2026, Russian consulates in the aforementioned countries will no longer be able to issue entry (return) certificates in place of birth certificates if the document is lost or damaged, or if the child turns 14 while abroad.

The internal passport of a Russian citizen, which children receive at age 14, remains valid for entry into these countries.

Author: Rozaliya Valeeva