Entry Procedures for Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons to the Russian Federation

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.

A central change is stricter identity verification at the border. Border authorities are now authorized to request biometric data and refuse entry to those who do not comply. There is also increased scrutiny of information provided—providing false information about oneself or the purpose of the visit may result in denial of entry.

CIS citizens still enjoy a visa-free regime, but there are new requirements for documentation and length of stay. Special attention is paid to correctly filling out migration cards and following established registration procedures.

This article will help you understand the current entry rules, avoid common mistakes at the border, and learn your rights and obligations while in the Russian Federation.

Main Entry Requirements for Russia

According to Article 6 of the Federal Law dated August 15, 1996 No. 114-FZ “On the Procedure for Exit from the Russian Federation and Entry into the Russian Federation,” all foreign citizens and stateless persons entering Russia must present:

A valid passport – a document that verifies your identity and is recognized by Russia as such
A visa – a special entry permit (if required by international treaties)
A migration card – a document you receive at the border upon entry

Important: The visa category issued must match the purpose of entry and stay in Russia.

Transport companies (passenger carriers) are responsible for ensuring that foreign citizens have the necessary visas or other entry permits for the country.

Visa-Free Entry for Citizens

Countries with Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of many countries can enter Russia without a visa. The complete up-to-date list of countries with visa-free entry to the Russian Federation is published on the official website of the Consular Department of the Russian MFA.

Key countries with visa-free entry include Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Moldova, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and others.

Country-specific features:

Belarusian citizens have special status and can enter and exit without restrictions on the length of stay, using their internal passport.

New Rules for 2025

From January 11, 2025, a new Agreement between Russia and Belarus on mutual recognition of visas takes effect. Foreign citizens may now enter Russia with a Belarusian visa or residence permit.

From February 5, 2025, stricter entry rules apply. Foreign citizens will not be allowed to cross the border if:

Biometric data is not provided upon border guard request
There is a detected risk to state security
Forged documents are used
False information about oneself or purpose of visit is given
Entry documents for Russia are not presented

At the same time, a new opportunity has appeared: foreign citizens may leave for their country of citizenship even with an expired passport, if the document allows identification.

Important documents for children:

Minors from CIS countries under 14 can enter Russia with a birth certificate and a document proving citizenship. After age 14, their own passport is required.

It’s recommended to check current information on the Russian MFA website regularly, as visa requirements may change depending on international circumstances and bilateral agreements.

Migration Card – A Key Document

What It Is

According to Article 25.9 of the Federal Law, foreign citizens or stateless persons entering Russia must receive and fill out a migration card. This is your “pass” to stay in the country.

How to Obtain and Fill Out

Obtaining: At the border upon entry to Russia
Filling out: Indicate the correct purpose of visit (tourism, private visit, business trip)
Carrying: Always keep it with you while in Russia
Return: The migration card must be handed over at the border when leaving

If You Lose Your Migration Card

Don’t panic! If you lose or damage your migration card:

Contact the nearest Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) office within 3 days
You will receive a duplicate free of charge upon presenting your entry documents
Not having the card upon exit is not grounds for denial of departure

Note for arrivals from Belarus: Foreign citizens entering Russia from Belarus must obtain a migration card from the relevant authorities in Belarus. Russian airports do not issue migration cards to such persons.

Unified Electronic Visa

What It Is

According to Article 25.16-1 of the Federal Law, a unified electronic visa grants the right to enter and stay in Russia. It is a convenient way to obtain entry permission online.

Important Features

Single entry – can be used only once
Extension – possible through the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs or its regional offices
Exit – a transit visa is required for departure
Unused visa cannot be used to exit Russia

Entry Specifics for Ukrainian Citizens

According to Presidential Decree No. 734 of September 29, 2023, Ukrainian citizens may enter Russia without a visa on the basis of valid documents:

Ukrainian national passport (including ID card)
International passport
Birth certificate (for children under 16)
Diplomatic or service passport

From Ukraine’s territory, citizens may enter even with expired documents.

Restrictions from October 16, 2023: Entry is temporarily restricted for Ukrainian citizens arriving from third countries, except via Sheremetyevo airport, Ludonka border crossing, and for children under 14.

Important Changes from February 5, 2025

From February 5, 2025, amendments to the Russian Federation Law “On the State Border of the Russian Federation” come into force:

When You May Be Refused Entry

You may be refused entry if:

You do not provide biometric data upon request of the border guard
There is a risk to state security
You use a forged document
You provide false information about yourself or your trip purpose
You do not present the required entry/exit documents

Exit with Expired Documents

A new provision: a foreign citizen may be permitted to cross the border to their country of citizenship with an expired or technically defective document, if it allows identification.

Periods of Stay and New Restrictions

Shortened Periods for Visa-Free Stay

Important change: from 2025, for most CIS citizens, the maximum period of visa-free stay in Russia is reduced to 90 days per calendar year. This change aims to optimize migration flows and prevent illegal employment.

Exceptions:

Belarusian citizens retain the right to unlimited stay
Residents of Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan may enter with internal passports, but are also subject to the 90-day limit

Counting Days

The 90-day count starts from your first border crossing. Note:

Exiting and re-entering does not reset the counter
Exceeding the limit results in a 3-year ban on entering Russia

New Requirements: “Gosuslugi RuID” System

What is “Gosuslugi RuID”

From June 30, 2025, new rules apply for foreign citizens entering Russia. Before crossing the border, you must submit an electronic application and obtain a special QR code in the “Gosuslugi RuID” app—a digital version of Russia’s public services for foreigners.

“Gosuslugi RuID” is an information system that stores a foreign citizen’s digital profile and is part of Russia’s state migration policy action plan.

You must register no later than 72 hours before your planned border crossing
In emergencies (illness or death of a close relative), application is allowed 4 hours before arrival

Compliance Monitoring

Compliance with migration registration rules by foreign citizens is monitored by the federal executive authority in internal affairs. For questions about permitted stay or extension, contact the migration division of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Useful Tips

What to Remember

Check the validity of your documents before your trip
State the correct purpose of visit on your migration card
Keep all documents while in Russia
Visa category must match the purpose of entry and stay
Register in “Gosuslugi RuID” 72 hours before your trip (from June 30, 2025)

Where to Seek Help

Migration issues: Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs migration departments
Extension of stay: Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs or Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Lost documents: Consular offices of your country
Temporary exit restrictions: Russian Federal Bailiff Service (FSSP)
“Gosuslugi RuID” technical support: Dedicated app support service

Important: The Russian FSB Border Service does not provide certificates on decisions about temporary exit bans—this information is not within their competence.

Conclusion

Entry to Russia for CIS citizens is significantly simplified by the visa-free regime. The main requirements are to have valid documents, fill out your migration card correctly, register in the “Gosuslugi RuID” system (from June 30, 2025), and follow Russian laws. If you have questions, always contact official authorities for assistance.

Remember: Laws can change, so always check the latest information on official government websites. Migration registration compliance is monitored by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

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