Russia is modernizing its border controls: starting June 30, 2025, all foreign nationals eligible for visa-free entry will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization in the form of a personalized QR code.
In line with other major international destinations, Russia is strengthening its border security through digital means. A new electronic travel authorization, represented by a QR code, will soon become mandatory for travelers entering the country without a visa.
Foreign nationals entering Russia visa-free must register and submit an electronic entry request at least 72 hours prior to arrival. The application can be submitted through Russia’s official online public services portal, Gosuslugi, or via the upcoming mobile app “ruID”, which is currently under development.
This reform will officially take effect on June 30, 2025, for a one-year pilot period ending June 30, 2026. After the trial phase, authorities will determine whether to make the system permanent, expand it, or modify it.
However, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), citing the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, tourists without a QR code will not be turned away at the Russian border. The electronic travel authorization request will remain voluntary for foreign visitors until the system is fully operational.
Who needs an electronic travel authorization to enter Russia?
Announced in March 2025, the electronic travel authorization applies to all foreign nationals who are exempt from a visa to enter Russia, regardless of the entry point—land, air, or sea. This follows a pilot phase that has been in effect since December 2024 at select airports and border crossings.
Upon arrival, foreign travelers may be subject to biometric screening, which can include facial photography and collecting fingerprints.
Citizens of several countries may enter Russia without a visa for a limited stay—usually between 14 and 90 days, depending on bilateral agreements.
Nationals of former Soviet countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Ukraine) can stay in Russia visa-free for up to 90 days within a one-year period.
Russia has also signed visa waiver agreements with several countries in Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. These visa-free stays are strictly time-limited:
- 90 days: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Nicaragua, Uruguay, Venezuela, etc.
- 60 days: South Korea, Dominican Republic, Cape Verde, etc.
- 30 days: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Thailand, Mongolia, Laos, Montenegro, Botswana, etc.
- 14 days: Hong Kong, Brunei, Nauru, etc.
Who is not affected by the new requirement?
The new regulation does not apply to travelers who already hold a Russian visa, nor to the following categories:
- Citizens of Belarus
- Children under 6 years old
- Diplomats and staff of diplomatic missions or consular offices in Russia, along with their family members
- Employees of international organizations accredited in Russia, and their families
A QR code to enter Russia visa-free: how does the “ruID” mobile app work?
As part of this new immigration policy, Russia will launch the “ruID” mobile app, a key digital tool designed to streamline the process for foreign visitors.
Scheduled for release by June 24, 2025, the app will centralize essential services for entering and staying in Russia. With “ruID”, users will be able to:
- Apply for electronic travel authorization by submitting a pre-entry declaration
- Access administrative services, such as registering with the Ministry of the Interior or purchasing medical insurance
- View their personal data in the controlled persons registry
- Receive official notifications in their personal dashboard
- Generate a QR code required for border entry (available once the account is verified via Gosuslugi)
To ensure broad accessibility, “ruID” will be available in multiple languages at launch: English, Russian, Armenian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, and Uzbek.
How to apply for an electronic travel authorization to Russia ?
If your nationality requires a visa to enter Russia, you must apply in advance, either online using the e-Visa system or at a Russian consulate. In this case, the electronic travel authorization does not apply to you.
If you qualify for visa-free entry, you must plan ahead and apply using the “ruID” app or the Gosuslugi portal.
Applying via the “ruID” Mobile App
- Download and install the “ruID” app on your phone.
- Log in using your Gosuslugi username and password. If you don’t have an account, register and provide the travel document details you’ll use to cross the border.
- Submit your travel authorization request:
- No earlier than 90 days and no later than 72 hours before your scheduled entry;
- In emergency cases (e.g., medical treatment or a relative’s death), at least 4 hours in advance, supported by official documents.
- Fill in your travel details:
- Purpose of visit
- Planned duration of stay
- Regions you intend to visit
- Information about children traveling with you (if both parents are present, both must include the children’s info)
- Upload your biometric data to the app:
- A photo of your face
- A photo of your ID document
- A voice recording
- Wait for verification. You’ll receive a notification in your “ruID” account once your request is approved.
Without biometric registration, you won’t be able to complete your application. For each new trip, you must update your facial photo.
If you already have valid biometric data registered in Russia, you may apply through the Gosuslugi portal, but you’ll need a device capable of video and audio recording to verify your identity.
Applying via the Gosuslugi Portal
- Sign in to Gosuslugi with your account credentials, or register a new account.
- Access the service and provide your travel details (same steps as the “ruID” app).
- Take a photo of your face for biometric identity verification.
- Submit your request.
- Wait for verification. You’ll be notified in your personal Gosuslugi account once your authorization is granted.
