Start with the rule that strands people. If you hold Russian citizenship and your Russian passport expires or is lost while you are in Russia, the authorities will not permit you to leave — whether or not you also hold a valid U.S. passport. You must obtain a new Russian passport first, and that generally takes several months.
Quick facts
There is a second rule that follows directly from it and is even less known: a Russian external passport that has been extended by a Russian embassy or consulate abroad is not valid for departure from Russia, however long the extension runs. Holders of extended passports must apply for a new one.
What that means in practice
| Situation | Consequence | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Russian passport expires while in Russia | Cannot depart | Apply for a new one there |
| Russian passport lost while in Russia | Cannot depart | Same, allow months |
| Passport extended by a consulate abroad | Not valid for departure | Apply for a new passport |
| Holding a valid U.S. passport as well | Does not help | Russia treats you as Russian |
| Travelling with both documents | Recommended | Enter and exit on the Russian one |
The practical conclusion is simple: renew before you travel, with a comfortable margin, and never plan a trip on a passport that expires while you are there.
How to apply
- Book through the consular division’s online queue system, which is how appointments are allocated.
- Check which office covers your state before booking.
- Prepare the application and the supporting documents in the form the consular division specifies.
- Attend in person: biometric data is captured at the counter.
- Apply for each child separately, since children cannot be added to a parent’s passport.
- Allow generous time, and do not book travel around an optimistic estimate.
Required documents
- Current or most recent Russian external passport.
- Internal passport where you hold one.
- Evidence of lawful status in the United States.
- Photographs to the published specification.
- Police report where the passport was lost or stolen.
- Documents supporting any change of name.
Where to apply
At the consular division of the embassy in Washington or one of the Russian consular offices in the United States, according to the jurisdiction that covers your state.
Additional notes
Lost in the United States
Report it to your local police first and obtain a report, then contact the consular office. The replacement process is longer and needs more documentation than an ordinary renewal.
Children need their own documents
Russian law does not allow a child to be listed on a parent’s passport. Plan each child’s application alongside your own.
Carry both passports
For a dual national travelling to Russia, the Russian passport is used at the Russian border and the U.S. one elsewhere. Carry both and keep copies.
Verify before each trip
Requirements and appointment availability have changed repeatedly. Check the consular division’s own site rather than a summary.