Experiment on Entry and Exit Rules for Foreigners
Starting from December 1, 2024, an experiment is underway in Russia: the rules for entry and exit for foreigners are being tested in a new format. Biometric data is collected at the border — facial photos and fingerprints, and information about the trip must be reported in advance via the internet. The basis is the decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated November 7, 2024, No. 1510.
The experiment affects almost everyone entering Russia: tourists, workers, and those visiting relatives. Citizens of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Azerbaijan need to do two things: register their trip in the “Gosuslugi. RuID” app and provide biometric data at the checkpoints where this is already operational.
The experiment has been extended until December 31, 2027 — the extension was introduced by the decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated April 27, 2026, No. 468 and is effective from June 30, 2026. Conditions may change until that date, so check the rules at the time of your trip.
In Brief: What to Do
- Check if the experiment applies to you: it is mandatory for all foreigners except citizens of Belarus, diplomats, and children under 6 years old.
- Install the “Gosuslugi. RuID” app and complete registration — step-by-step instructions are provided in the guide, how to register in Gosuslugi RuID .
- Submit an electronic application for your trip no later than 72 hours before entry; in an emergency, at least 4 hours in advance.
- Save the QR code from the app on your phone: it will be requested when crossing the border.
- Be prepared to provide biometric data — facial photos and fingerprints.
- Bring your international passport; a migration card will be issued at the border.
- After entry, register for migration accounting within the specified timeframe.
Two Stages of the Experiment
| Stage | Start Date | Requirements | Where It Applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | December 1, 2024 | Biometric data: facial photos and fingerprints | Airports in Moscow (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo), Zhukovsky, road checkpoint Mashtakovo |
| Second | June 30, 2025 | Electronic application for the trip 72 hours before entry | All border checkpoints into the Russian Federation |
Both stages continue until December 31, 2027. The list of points where biometric data is collected is gradually expanding — check it before your trip.
Biometric Data Upon Entry
At equipped checkpoints, foreigners are photographed and fingerprinted. The procedure is free, takes a few minutes, and the data is added to a digital profile. Detailed information on what to do when providing biometric data at the border and who it applies to is discussed in a separate article.
Electronic Application for the Trip
Starting from June 30, 2025, citizens of visa-free countries must report their trip in advance: no later than 72 hours before entry via the “Gosuslugi. RuID” app or the government services portal. In an emergency situation — for example, urgent medical treatment or the funeral of a close relative — applications are accepted at least 4 hours in advance. After processing, the arriving person receives a QR code, which is shown at the border.
Who exactly needs to register their trip to the Russian Federation in advance and what data to provide — read in the article on registering a trip to Russia .
Who is Required to Participate and Who is Not
| Participating in the Experiment | Not Participating |
|---|---|
| Citizens of visa-free countries: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and others | Citizens of Belarus |
| Foreigners entering on a visa | Diplomats, embassy and consulate staff, and their family members |
| Children from 6 years old | Children under 6 years old |
A visa does not replace trip registration: a visa holder must provide biometric data, and a citizen of a visa-free country must also submit an application in the app.
What is a Digital Profile
Upon the first entry into the new system, a digital profile is created for the foreigner. It collects:
- data from the international passport and border crossing;
- biometric data, if provided;
- travel history to Russia.
The profile speeds up border checks. Therefore, before your trip, it’s advisable to check if there are any existing entry restrictions — for example, due to old fines or violations of stay periods.
What Documents are Needed at the Border
| Document | Who Needs It |
|---|---|
| International passport | All foreigners |
| Visa | Citizens of visa-required countries |
| QR code from “Gosuslugi. RuID” | Citizens of visa-free countries |
| Migration card | Everyone upon entry |
| Medical insurance | All foreigners, preferably arranged before the trip |
Important Dates
- December 1, 2024 — start of the experiment: biometric data collection at Moscow airports and at the Mashtakovo checkpoint.
- June 30, 2025 — electronic application for the trip at all checkpoints.
- June 30, 2026 — extension of the experiment until the end of 2027 comes into effect.
- December 31, 2027 — planned end of the experiment. A permanent procedure after this date has not yet been approved — check at the time of your trip.
Sources
- Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated November 7, 2024, No. 1510 — the basic act on the experiment.
- Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated April 27, 2026, No. 468 — extension until December 31, 2027.
- Clarification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia — official response to questions from foreign citizens.
FAQ
Do children need to provide biometric data?
Children under 6 years old are exempt. From 6 years old, biometric data is provided on general terms at equipped checkpoints. If a child is entering without parents, check the exit documents in advance — requirements vary by country.
Does the experiment apply to citizens of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan?
Yes. These countries enter Russia visa-free, so their citizens must both submit a trip application 72 hours in advance and provide biometric data where it is already collected. The only exception to the experiment is citizens of Belarus.
What happens if I do not submit a trip application in advance?
Entry may be denied at the border: without a QR code, crossing at a checkpoint where the requirement is already in effect is not guaranteed. If the trip is urgent, submit the application at least 4 hours before entry and keep supporting documents.
If I provided biometric data at the border, do I need to register for migration accounting?
Yes. Biometric data and the trip application do not replace migration accounting: after entry, the host party notifies the Ministry of Internal Affairs of your arrival, usually within 7 working days. Special deadlines apply to citizens of EAEU countries — check them in advance.
How much does trip registration and biometric data collection cost?
Free. The app, application submission, and biometric data collection at the border are not charged. Regular services remain paid — for example, visa, work patent, or insurance.
How can I check in advance if I will be allowed into Russia?
Before purchasing a ticket, check yourself using the official services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia and Gosuslugi: they show if there is an entry ban. If a ban is found, describe the situation to a lawyer — some bans can be lifted through the courts.
Do the new rules apply to those entering on a visa?
All foreigners at equipped checkpoints, including visa holders, must provide biometric data. An electronic trip application is required for citizens of visa-free countries. The procedure for obtaining a visa has not changed.
How We Can Help
Describe your situation to a lawyer directly on this page: for example, denial of entry due to the absence of a QR code, errors in trip registration in “Gosuslugi. RuID,” or a discovered entry ban. A migration law attorney will review your case and suggest specific steps. The contact form is below on the page.