As of June 30, new entry regulations for foreign nationals arriving in Russia under a visa-free regime will take effect. These rules mandate registration via the ruID mobile application and submission of an entry application no later than 72 hours prior to arrival. The regulations are part of an experimental initiative by the Russian Ministry of Digital Development to digitize and automate the registration of foreign nationals entering Russia.

Foreign nationals entering Russia under a visa-free regime are required to:

·       Download the ruID mobile application;

·       Register in the application and create a digital profile (an email address can be used; a Russian mobile phone number is not mandatory);

·       Submit an entry application through the app;

·       Obtain a QR code via the app, which must be presented at border control.

·       To submit an application through the app, the following steps are required:

·       After installing the app and creating a profile, upload a photograph and enter passport details;

·       Complete an electronic application, specifying the duration of the visit and the regions of Russia to be visited;

·       Upload a photo of the passport, a photo of the applicant’s face, and three voice recordings;

·       Await verification of the submitted data and confirm there are no restrictions on entry.

For children aged 6 to 18, the application must be submitted by parents or guardians who have already obtained authorization.

Creating a digital profile through the ruID app enables foreign nationals to access a range of government services, as the profile is integrated with the Russian “Gosuslugi” (Public Services) portal.

The new rules do not apply to citizens of Belarus, children under 6 years of age, diplomats and employees of foreign diplomatic missions and consular offices in Russia, employees of international organizations and their accredited representations in Russia, or their family members. The rules also do not apply to foreign nationals entering Russia with a visa.

At present, creating a digital profile is not mandatory for foreign nationals. The experiment involves migrants entering Moscow and the Moscow Region who work under a labour patent or are permitted to work without a patent in accordance with Russian laws or international agreements. The experiment also includes migrants staying in the region for more than 90 days for non-work-related purposes.