Changes to Visa Regulations for Travelers to Russia

Changes have been made to Russia's migration legislation, establishing new regulations for citizens of visa-free countries entering the country. Starting from June 30, all citizens from visa-free countries, including those from EAEU member states, planning to enter Russia will be required to notify authorities 72 hours in advance.

This was announced at a press conference by Tatevik Bejanian, an expert on migration programs from the Armenian Caritas organization. She added that a unified mobile app named RuID will be created for the registration process.

“It will need to be done no later than 72 hours prior to the planned entry to Russia, and in emergencies, no later than 4 hours before,” she explained.

After submitting an application through the app, Russian authorities will check the citizen's details before granting entry. If approved, the traveler will receive a relevant code to present at the border. Without this code, entry to Russia will be denied.

Bejanian further clarified, “It has been indicated that a unique 'visa mechanism' is being created for citizens of visa-free countries. It is not stated that there will be no need for any purpose; it is only specified that foreign nationals from visa-free countries must notify their arrival using the electronic portal 72 hours prior to departure. Therefore, unless something changes before June 30, if you plan to travel to St. Petersburg (hypothetically speaking), you must notify the electronic portal 72 hours in advance, filling in your details, after which you will receive the corresponding code if permitted, which you will show to the border guard who will determine your entry approval.”