New Visa-Free Entry Rules for Foreign citizens Entering Russia Starting June 30, 2025

Starting June 30, 2025, new visa-free entry rules for foreign citizens visiting Russia will come into effect. These changes are part of the second phase of a digital migration control experiment that will run until June 30, 2026.

What’s Changing?

The Russian government has introduced new entry requirements as part of an experiment aimed at creating a digital profile for foreign nationals.

First Phase (November 2024 – June 2025)

During the pilot stage, biometric data (facial photos and fingerprints) were collected from foreigner сitizens at five border checkpoints:

  • Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky airports
  • Mashukovo road border crossing

Second Phase (Starting June 30, 2025)

From this date onward, all foreign citizens entering Russia without a visa must before crossing the border:

  1. Register in the Unified Identification and Authentication System (ESIA) via the new “Gosuslugi RuID” mobile app (to be released soon).
  2. Upload their photo and biometrics to the Unified Biometric System (UBS) through the app.
  3. Submit an electronic entry application no later than 72 hours before arrival (in urgent cases – at least 4 hours in advance).
    • The application remains valid for 90 days.

The new rules will apply at all Russian border checkpoints.

Who Is Exempt?

The following categories are not affected by the changes:

  • Children under 6 years old,
  • Citizens of Belarus,
  • Other exceptions specified in the government decree.

Why Is This Being Implemented?

The experiment aims to improve migration flow control and create a unified digital database of foreign visitors. This will help:

  • Speed up border checks,
  • Reduce illegal immigration risks,
  • Simplify government procedures for legally staying foreigners.

What Should Foreign Citizens Do?

  1. Monitor the release of the “Gosuslugi RuID” app.
  2. Complete registration and biometric upload in advance.
  3. Submit the entry application at least 3 days before travel.

Detailed instructions will be available on the Gosuslugi portal and the Ministry of Digital Development’s website.

Starting June 30, 2025, visa-free entry to Russia will become more regulated but also more digitalized. Foreign travelers should prepare in advance to avoid entry issues.

Planning a trip to Russia? Check the latest rules before your departure!

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