From June 30, 2025, foreign citizens must apply for entry to Russia

As part of the second phase of the experimental project to modernize the rules of entry and exit of foreign citizens, starting from June 30, 2025, travelers who have the right to visa-free entry into Russia will be required to submit an entry application no later than 72 hours before the scheduled arrival. In emergency cases, such as the need for emergency medical treatment, serious illness, or the death of a close relative, the application can be submitted 4 hours before entry. This innovation will allow the authorities to receive necessary information about incoming individuals in advance.

Foreign citizens will need to submit the necessary data through a special platform in electronic form. For minors, the application must be completed by parents or guardians. The entry application for Russia will be valid for 90 days from the date of submission. At the border, you will need to provide a unique code.

Foreign citizens will be able to track the status of their application through a personal account, where information about its acceptance or rejection will be available. In case of rejection, the reasons will be stated, as well as information about the possibility of reapplying with a new application. Additionally, the account will provide information about the right to enter or the ban on entry into the country. It will also be possible to obtain information about the procedure for receiving services in Russia or to apply for them in electronic form (for example, to arrange health insurance, to sign a contract with a communication operator to obtain a SIM card, to schedule an appointment with the Ministry of Internal Affairs).

It is important to note that foreign citizens entering Russia with a visa will not be required to submit such an application, but creating a profile in a special application will be available if desired to receive services in the country.

The experiment will last until June 30, 2026, and in case of its success, this measure may become permanent. 

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