New Requirements for Foreigners Entering Russia

Foreign citizens entering Russia must complete an application regarding themselves and the purpose of their visit on the electronic services portal at least 72 hours before arrival, and in emergency situations, at least 4 hours prior. This was announced by Altynai Omurbekova, the director of the Department of Labor Migration and Social Protection of the Eurasian Economic Commission.

The second phase of the changes will begin from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026, when the submission of biometric data will become mandatory at all checkpoints upon crossing the border. An exception has been made only for citizens of Belarus. For citizens of other EAEU member states, the same requirements apply as for other foreigners.

It is important to note that changes in migration legislation in Russia came into effect in 2024. Some regulations are already in force. Starting December 1, foreign citizens must undergo the procedure for submitting biometric data at several checkpoints, including Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Zhukovsky airports, as well as in the Orenburg region.