The Russian Federation remains a key destination for labor migration from the post-Soviet region. Every year, millions of citizens from CIS countries cross the Russian border for work, education, or family reunification. Residents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and other Central Asian republics are especially active in exercising this right.

The year 2025 brought significant changes to Russia’s migration laws. As of February 5, new border control regulations came into force, tightening the requirements for documents and entry procedures. At the same time, since January 11, an agreement with Belarus on mutual recognition of visas has been in effect, opening up additional opportunities for foreign citizens.

Starting June 30, 2025, entry rules for Russia will change dramatically. All foreign nationals arriving in the Russian Federation under the visa-free regime will now have to register in advance through a special app and receive a QR code. Without this code, you simply won’t be allowed into the country. These requirements will especially affect citizens of post-Soviet countries who frequently visit Russia visa-free.

Starting December 1, 2024, Russia launched a special experiment that changes the rules for entry and exit for foreign citizens. Think of it as a big test of new procedures to better control who enters and leaves the country.

What is this experiment?

The experiment to test new entry and exit rules in Russia is a large-scale initiative launched by the Russian Government in December 2024 to pilot updated procedures for foreign citizens and stateless persons. Unlike standard requirements, the experiment introduces additional steps of control and digitalization that were not previously included in federal law.

A Russian visa is an official document that grants foreign citizens and stateless persons the right to enter, stay, and leave the territory of the Russian Federation for a specified period. The visa acts as both entry and exit permission and contains details about the dates of stay, type and multiplicity, passport information, and the inviting organization.

Simply put, a visa is a special permit you need to obtain from a consulate or embassy to enter another country. But not all foreigners need a visa to visit Russia. Many can enter with just their foreign passport!

Starting June 30, 2025, new rules for foreign citizens came into force in the Russian Federation. Now, many foreign nationals are required to pre-register their trip using a special app. Let’s break down who is required to complete this procedure and who is not.

Changes Effective June 30, 2025

• Foreigners from visa-free countries must notify about their trip in advance via the “Gosuslugi RuID” app.
• After registration, you will receive a QR code that must be shown at the border.
• Registration is required at least 72 hours before entering Russia.
• In emergencies (illness, death of a relative), an application can be submitted 4 hours before arrival.

Russia and Border Control

The Russian Federation traditionally welcomes millions of foreign visitors every year — tourists, business travelers, students, workers, and people visiting family. The country is interested in international cooperation and developing economic ties with other states.

However, entry into any country is a privilege, not a right for foreign citizens. Russia, like any sovereign state, has the authority to control who can cross its borders. This is necessary to ensure national security, maintain public order, and protect the interests of its own citizens.