Starting today, foreign nationals who plan to travel to Russia must submit an online application outlining their travel plans, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs announced, as reported by IPN and cited by Deutsche Welle.
“To enter Russia without a visa, foreign citizens—including legal representatives of individuals with disabilities or minors—must complete an electronic application for planned entry to Russia at least 72 hours in advance,” said Ministry spokesperson Irina Volk on social media, noting that this new requirement mainly targets visa-free travelers.
To apply, individuals need to set up a digital profile in the RuID mobile app—Russia’s official platform for foreign nationals, similar to the State Services portal.
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The app will provide detailed information about border crossing procedures. In urgent cases, travelers can submit their application at least four hours before entering Russia.
This measure is part of a pilot program introducing new entry and exit rules for foreign citizens, launched in Russia on December 1, 2024.
According to a government decree issued in November last year, all foreign nationals must undergo biometric control procedures—including fingerprinting and photographing—when entering or leaving the country through Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky airports, or the Mashtakovo land checkpoint in Orenburg region. Children under six and citizens of Belarus are exempt from this requirement, as reported by foreign media.