From 20 January 2026, an important change to the rules for children travelling abroad takes effect in Russia. It will no longer be possible to leave the country with a child under 14 on a birth certificate — the child will need their own international passport. Let's look at why this matters and how to prepare.

Why is this needed?

In our view, the authorities made this decision for two key reasons:

• The identification problem: a birth certificate has no photograph, which makes it hard to verify a child's identity at the border.
• Protection against unlawful removal: the new procedure helps prevent children from being taken abroad unlawfully (a fairly common practice when parents divorce).

Why can't you do without an international passport? The arguments for the change

1. The risks of using a birth certificate

• The main weakness of a birth certificate is the lack of the child's photo;
• the document can be forged or lost;
• difficulties in dealing with foreign authorities;
• problems when arranging medical care abroad.

2. Problems at the border

• delays at border control while the certificate's authenticity is checked;
• refusal of exit to some countries that do not recognise a birth certificate as a border-crossing document;
• difficulty proving the relationship (especially if the child and parent have different surnames).

3. "Workarounds" no longer valid

• some countries (Belarus, Abkhazia, Kazakhstan and others) used to allow entry on a birth certificate — from 2026 this will no longer work;
• the practice of entering children in a parent's international passport (the 5-year non-biometric one) is also ending.

4. Legal risks

• possible problems when returning to Russia;
• difficulties obtaining visas and other documents abroad;
• the risk of the child's stay abroad being deemed unlawful.

What can be used instead of a birth certificate?

The only acceptable document for leaving the country is the child's own international passport (regardless of the destination).

How to prepare for a trip

• apply for an international passport for the child (it takes 1–3 months to issue);
• choose the type of passport:
  • 5-year (non-biometric) — best for young children (their appearance changes quickly);
  • 10-year (biometric) — a long-term solution for older children;
• check the current document requirements with carriers and consulates;
• find out what to do if the child is travelling without their parents (notarised consent, a travel ban from the other parent).

Conclusion

C Cases lawyers believe that the new procedure is not a restriction but a protective measure for children and their families. An international passport guarantees unobstructed exit, ensures safety abroad, simplifies dealings with foreign authorities and protects against legal risks.

We recommend applying for your child's international passport well in advance to avoid rush and stress before the trip.