Without a visa, but with notification: Russia introduces digital registration for foreigners
From the end of June 2025, an experimental entry procedure for citizens of countries with which a visa-free regime is in effect will come into force in Russia.
The new requirements concern the issuance of a preliminary notification via a special digital application and obtaining an individual QR code, without which entry will be impossible. Despite the clarifications of the Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation, many details still raise questions among representatives of the tourism business.
Advance notification via app
According to the explanations of the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of Russia, from June 30, all foreigners planning a visa-free entry to the territory of the Russian Federation will be required to enter information about their visit in a special mobile application called RuID. This must be done at least 72 hours before arrival in the country, but not earlier than 90 days before the date of entry. Thus, for example, if a citizen of another state plans to cross the Russian border on June 30, he must complete the registration and notification process no later than June 27.
This requirement will become mandatory for both citizens of neighboring countries and tourists from countries with which Russia has agreements on visa-free group entry, such as China, Iran and the United Arab Emirates . However, the new rule does not apply to travelers with a visa. An exception has also been made for citizens of Belarus, children under six years of age and certain categories of foreigners, including diplomats.
New entry procedure to Russia: tourists need a QR code from the RuID app. Photo: 1MI
Urgent entry - for valid reasons
In certain situations, such as entry due to urgent medical intervention, a serious condition of a close relative or death of a family member, the rules allow for shorter application deadlines. In such cases, foreigners will be able to notify of their arrival four hours before crossing the border. However, the urgency will need to be documented.
App accessibility and language issue
The user will have to register by providing an email, personal data, identity document data, and information about the planned route and purpose of the visit. After filling in all the fields, the foreigner will be assigned a unique QR code, which will need to be presented at the border.
The RuID app has not yet appeared in official stores, including RuStore, Google Play, AppGallery and AppStore. The Ministry of Digital Development assures that it will be available for download in advance, but has not yet named an exact date.
Experts are particularly concerned about language accessibility. According to preliminary data, the app will support only seven languages: Russian, English, Armenian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik and Uzbek . This could create difficulties for tourists from China , Iran and Arab countries who do not speak any of the proposed languages. While the language barrier is not believed to be a serious obstacle in the UAE , for Chinese and Iranian guests focused on group tourism, the lack of support for their native languages could lead to misunderstandings and disruptions in organizing trips.
newizv.ru
