Why do foreigners submit biometrics when entering Russia
Since December 1, 2024, Russia has launched a large-scale experiment on collecting biometric data from foreign citizens when crossing the state border. The new system, which will be in effect until June 30, 2026, radically changes the entry procedure for millions of foreign guests. Considering international experience and growing security needs, experts note a high probability that after the test period, biometric data collection will become permanent, as it already has in most developed countries.
If you have ever seen people at the airport putting their fingers on a special device and having their photos taken, that’s the biometric procedure. Recently, all foreign guests in Russia must go through this process upon entry. Let’s figure out what it is and why it is needed.
What is biometrics in simple terms
Biometric identification is a high-tech process of collecting unique physiological characteristics of a person. Biometrics are special data about a person that make them unique, like fingerprints or a face. Imagine everyone has their own “passport” created by nature itself — nobody can forge or steal it.
Biometric data includes:
- Fingerprints
- Facial photo
- Sometimes eye scan (but in Russia, only the first two are used for now)
During border control, foreigners are now required to provide facial images and fingerprints at state border checkpoints. Modern equipment allows the procedure to be completed in just a few minutes, and the interface automatically switches to the required language after scanning the passport.
When did biometric data collection start in Russia
Biometric data began to be collected in only a few places starting December 1, 2024:
- Sheremetyevo Airport (Moscow)
- Domodedovo Airport (Moscow)
- Vnukovo Airport (Moscow)
- Zhukovsky Airport (Moscow region)
- Mashtakovo border checkpoint (Orenburg region)
As the experiment progresses, the list of checkpoints where biometrics are collected will expand. There are already discussions about equipping Pulkovo and Kazan airports with the necessary technology.
Who must submit biometrics
The new requirements do not apply to certain categories of citizens. If a foreign citizen refuses to provide biometrics, they will not be allowed through border control.
| Must submit | Do not have to submit |
|---|---|
| All foreign citizens | Citizens of Belarus |
| Stateless persons | Children under 6 |
| Tourists and business travelers | Diplomats and their families |
| Labor migrants | International organization staff |
Why is this needed: main reasons
As Yulia Ponomareva, CEO of the legal company PONOMAREVA GROUP, notes, “the main goal of the new regulation is to increase the level of security and effectiveness of controlling foreign entry.”
National security
Imagine Russia as a big house, and biometrics as a modern lock. It helps to know who’s coming in and keeps out unwanted visitors. Collecting biometrics enables more accurate identification and prevents illegal migration.
Fighting fraud and crime
Some people try to cheat by using someone else’s documents or changing their identity. Biometrics helps to “recognize” them even if they changed their name or appearance. The submitted biometric data will be cross-checked in real time with databases to quickly detect wanted individuals or those previously deported.
How the biometric procedure works
The procedure is very simple and takes just a few minutes:
- Go to the special device
- Place your fingers on the scanner — the device “remembers” your prints
- Look at the camera — a digital photo is taken
- Data is saved in a special database
- Continue with border procedures as usual
Do other countries use biometrics
Russia is following a global trend and is not the first country to collect biometrics. Many developed countries have long used this technology:
- USA — collect fingerprints and photos
- EU countries — use biometric passports; submitting biometrics is required for a Schengen visa
- Japan — scans fingerprints upon entry
- Australia — uses an automated facial recognition system
- Thailand, UK, UAE — similar systems operate
- Turkey — currently implementing a similar system
What’s next: future plans
The experiment will continue until June 30, 2026. During this time, authorities will study how the new system works and decide whether to keep it permanently.
Possible improvements:
- Faster border crossing procedures
- Launch of mobile apps to submit data in advance
- Integration with other government services
Conclusion
Submitting biometrics when entering Russia is a modern way to make the country safer and more organized. Although it may seem unusual, the process is simple and quick. Most importantly, it helps protect both foreign guests and Russian citizens.
Remember: biometrics are not meant to complicate your life, but to create a safer and fairer world for everyone.
Sources:
- Federal Law of August 15, 1996 N 114-FZ “On the Procedure for Leaving the Russian Federation and Entering the Russian Federation”
- Government Decree of the Russian Federation of November 7, 2024 No. 1510 “On conducting an experiment to test the rules and conditions for entry into and exit from the Russian Federation by foreign citizens and stateless persons”
- Russia will conduct an experiment on biometric submission by foreigners when crossing the state border