Putin Discusses Duration of Stay for Foreigners with Electronic Visas in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin has doubled the validity period of electronic visas for foreigners and the duration of their stay in Russia, which will now be 120 and 30 days respectively. This information was reported by TASS.

Previously, foreign citizens could stay in Russia on an electronic visa for 16 days, and the visa's validity was 60 days. The authors of the initiative have pointed out that the law will contribute to an increase in the number of foreigners arriving in Russia for tourism, business, humanitarian, and hospitality purposes. At the same time, the innovations will also allow for the maintenance of an appropriate level of migration control and meet the requirements in the field of national security of the Russian Federation.

New regulations have also been set for Russians: the birth certificate will no longer be acceptable as proof of identity for minors abroad. This document cannot be used for leaving Russia either. However, the innovation does not apply to minors who traveled abroad with a birth certificate before the law came into effect; they can return with that document.

According to the new law, it is now possible to cross Russia's borders outside of established border checkpoints with the permission of the border control authorities. The innovation also empowers border guards to stop and inspect small boats, means of transportation on ice, and their cargo, as well as check the personal belongings of people arriving to and departing from Russia.