Digital Migration Cards: Updates on Registration and Use

A migration card is a document that every foreign citizen receives upon entering Russia. It contains personal data, the purpose of the trip, and the duration of stay. Previously, the card existed only in paper form, but everything is changing now: digital technologies are being phased in.

Migration Card

Why changes are needed

Digital technologies are developing rapidly worldwide. Paper documents are sometimes lost or damaged, and processing them takes time. The digital migration card will help:

  • speed up border control processing;
  • reduce the risk of data loss;
  • simplify information verification for border service officers.

What the digital migration card looks like

A digital migration card is an electronic document stored in a special app (“Gosuslugi RuID”) or on the public services portal. You can:

  • fill it out in advance via the internet;
  • show it on a smartphone screen when crossing the border;
  • update or extend it online if you need to stay in the country longer.

Meanwhile, the option to receive a paper card remains available for those who prefer the traditional format.

How to apply for a digital card

Since June 30, 2025, it has become possible to fill out a digital card in the form of a QR code.

Procedure for arranging a trip and creating a QR code:

  1. Install the app. Download and install the ruID app on your smartphone.

    RuId App

  2. Log in to your account. Use your login and password from the Gosuslugi portal. If you do not have an account yet, register. During registration, provide the details of the document you plan to use to cross the Russian border.

  3. Submit a trip application. This can be done:

    • no earlier than 90 days and no later than 72 hours before the planned entry;
    • no later than 4 hours in case of urgent entry (emergency treatment, serious illness, or death of a close relative). In this case, you will need to provide documents confirming the reason.

  4. Fill in the trip information. Specify:

    • purpose of visit;
    • planned duration of stay in the country;
    • regions you plan to visit;
    • details of children traveling with you (if both parents are traveling, both must provide the children’s data).

  5. Submit biometrics. In the app, you need to:

    • take a photo of yourself;
    • take a photo of your identity document;
    • record your voice.

    Important! You cannot arrange a trip without biometric registration. For every new trip, a new facial photo must be taken to supplement existing biometrics.

  6. Wait for data verification. A notification regarding the result will be sent to your personal account in the app.

At the border, simply show the QR code or the unique card number on your device screen and undergo biometric procedures upon entry: have your photo taken and provide fingerprints.

Completing the registration in the app and receiving a QR code does not provide a 100% guarantee of entry into Russia. The final decision is made by border service officers at the checkpoint.

Completing biometric registration after entering Russia

Within 10 days after entering Russia, you must complete the registration of biometric data. To do this:

  1. Visit a bank branch Go to any branch of a bank participating in the biometric registration program. Bring your identity document (passport or the document used to cross the border).

  2. Undergo the registration procedure A bank employee will help you:

    • take a photograph;
    • record your voice.

  3. Wait for registration completion After the procedure, wait for confirmation that your biometric data registration in the EBS (Unified Biometric System) is complete.

Important! Failing to complete EBS registration within the specified timeframe may lead to difficulties with your continued stay in the country. Monitor notifications in your personal account on the Gosuslugi portal or in the ruID app—information about your biometric status will appear there.

Who does not need a migration card

Certain categories of citizens are not required to obtain a QR code:

  • citizens of Belarus;
  • diplomatic workers and their family members, as well as heads of diplomatic missions and their relatives;
  • children under 6 years old. For children aged 6 to 18, the application is submitted by parents or guardians, provided the submitter already has a valid entry permit for Russia.
  • individuals entering the country with a visa, a temporary residence permit (RVP), or a residence permit (VNJ).

What changes for travelers

With the introduction of the digital card, the process of entering Russia becomes more convenient:

  • no need to stand in line to get a paper form;
  • less chance of making mistakes—the system checks data automatically;
  • the card is always available on your phone and cannot be lost.

However, it is important to remember: the digital card does not waive the requirement to follow migration rules. The duration of stay, purpose of visit, and place of residence must match the declared data.

Where to find details

All up-to-date information regarding the digital migration card can be found:

  • on the official website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) of Russia;
  • in the Gosuslugi mobile app;
  • at Russian consulates and embassies abroad.

If questions arise, contact the Gosuslugi portal support service or the nearest migration center.

Conclusion

The digital migration card is a step toward more convenient and secure border crossing. It saves time, reduces the risk of errors, and simplifies the entry process into Russia. Meanwhile, the paper format remains available for those not yet ready to switch to digital technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Что делать, если потерял бумажную миграционную карту?

Обратитесь в МВД в течение 3 дней. Подробнее о восстановлении — потеря документов иностранцем .

Нужна ли миграционная карта гражданам ЕАЭС?

Гражданам Беларуси — нет. Гражданам других стран ЕАЭС — да, но с упрощённым порядком. Подробнее о безвизовом въезде .

Как зарегистрироваться в RuID?

Скачайте приложение и заполните данные за 72 часа до въезда. Подробнее — регистрация на Госуслугах .

Какой штраф за отсутствие миграционной карты?

От 2 000 до 7 000 рублей и возможная депортация . Подробнее о штрафах .

Нужна ли карта для оформления патента?

Да. Миграционная карта с целью въезда «работа» входит в обязательный пакет для патента .