The RuID app is now available for visa-free foreign nationals

New rules for registering foreign nationals arriving in Russia without a visa come into force on June 30, 2025. These changes affect tourists, migrant workers, students, and other foreigners entering under the visa-free regime. The main innovation is mandatory advance digital registration through the Gosuslugi RuID mobile app and obtaining a special QR code to cross the border.

The RuID mobile app is available on Google Play and the App Store.

Who is affected by the new rules

• All foreign nationals entering Russia under the visa-free regime (for example, citizens of CIS countries, including Kazakhstan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and others).
• Exceptions include:
• Citizens of Belarus
• Children under 6
• Foreigners holding a Russian visa, temporary residence permit, or residence permit
• Diplomats and their family members, employees of international organizations and their representative offices.

Main registration steps

1. Downloading the app and creating a profile

• Foreign nationals must download the Gosuslugi RuID app (available in Russian, English, Armenian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, and Uzbek) and create a personal account.
• Only an email address is required for registration; a Russian phone number and SNILS are not needed.

1. Submitting an electronic application

• No later than 72 hours before the planned arrival (but no earlier than 90 days beforehand), an electronic application stating the intention to travel to Russia must be completed, specifying the purpose and route of the trip, length of stay, regions to be visited, and details of any children traveling with their parents.
• In emergencies (the death or serious illness of a relative, or the need for urgent medical treatment), the application may be submitted 4 hours before entry; supporting documentation will be required.

1. Biometric data

• In the app, you must upload a photograph and a photo of your identity document, and record your voice for biometric identification.
• At the border at a number of checkpoints (for example, Moscow airports and the Mashtakovo checkpoint), you will need to provide fingerprints and have your photograph taken.

1. Receiving and presenting the QR code

• After the data is checked, a digital profile and a special QR code confirming registration are generated. You will need to present it at the border and, if necessary, at Russian institutions.

Penalties for violations

• Entry without advance registration is not possible: without a QR code, entry into Russia will be refused.
• Fines apply for missing the application deadline or providing false information.

Additional details

• If a foreign national is already in Russia, there is no need to create a new application in RuID.
• The new rules are being implemented on an experimental basis, with the possibility of making them permanent later.
• The RuID app is integrated with Russian government services and allows users to obtain information about border crossings and entry bans, arrange medical insurance, and use other services.

Table: Brief comparison of the old and new rules

Information about the rules for entering Russia is available on the Unified Portal of State and Municipal Services

Video describing the new rules for entering the Russian Federation

More information on our information channel: GIVE US INFORMATION