New entry rules into Russia have taken effect: what Kazakh citizens need to know

Tengrinews.kz – As of today, June 30, new entry rules come into effect for foreign citizens, including citizens of Kazakhstan, traveling to the Russian Federation. The changes concern the procedure for submitting travel data and collecting biometric information. Tengrinews.kz has gathered important information about the new regulations. Details are in the article.

What has changed

From June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026, Russia will conduct a pilot project to test new entry and exit procedures for foreign nationals. The Russian Embassy in Kazakhstan emphasized that this is not about introducing visas, but about voluntary pre-registration in the system through the mobile app ruID.

“The procedure introduced as part of the experiment does not cancel the visa-free regime between Russia and Kazakhstan. We emphasize the voluntary nature of submitting an entry application to the Russian Federation using the ruID app as part of this experiment,” the embassy clarified.

ruID app and digital profile

Foreigners, including Kazakhstani citizens, are encouraged to pre-register via the ruID app and submit an electronic entry application. This can be done no later than 72 hours and no earlier than 90 days before the trip. In emergency cases (e.g., illness or death of a relative), the application may be submitted 4 hours before entry, but supporting documentation is required.

To submit an application, you must:

• Install the ruID app (available on the App Store and Google Play);
• Register or log in using credentials from Russia’s Gosuslugi (State Services) portal;
• Indicate the purpose and dates of travel, country of departure, regions of intended visit, and children’s data (if traveling together – from both parents);
• Complete biometric identification — submit a facial photo, passport scan, and a voice recording;
• If you’ve already submitted biometrics previously, you can apply via the Gosuslugi portal by uploading only a facial photo.

According to materials from the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, at the border, foreigners — including Kazakh citizens — will be asked to:

• Present an identity document;
• Undergo photographing and fingerprinting — currently only at Moscow airports (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky), as well as at the Mashtakovo automobile checkpoint in the Orenburg region.

Upon entry, your data will be automatically matched with the information you submitted earlier in the ruID app.

"Based on the submitted information, a digital profile will be created — a unified data set about the foreign national, including passport details, photo, biometrics, purpose of visit, duration of stay, and other key information.

Since December 1, 2024, this procedure has already been in effect at the Mashtakovo checkpoint and Moscow airports. As of June 30, 2025, it will be expanded to all border checkpoints across Russia," the materials state.

At the border and after entry

It is reported that despite the launch of the new app, border control procedures will remain unchanged: not submitting a preliminary application will not affect your ability to cross the border.

Within 10 days after entering Russia, you must complete biometric registration in the Unified Biometric System (UBS) — this can be done at any bank branch by presenting an ID.

Additionally, it is recommended to verify your Gosuslugi account at a Multifunctional Center (MFC) to access online services such as SIM card registration, fine and fee payments, obtaining medical insurance, and more.

Who needs to register in ruID

According to the Kazakh Embassy in Russia, the experiment applies to all border crossing points. Each entering foreign citizen will be assigned a digital profile, integrated into Russian state systems.

Biometric submission is not required for:

• Diplomats and international organization staff;
• Foreigners entering or leaving Russia for official duties or as part of official delegations, and their family members;
• Holders of service or diplomatic passports;
• Children under 6 years old.

What about visa entry?

For travelers entering Russia with a visa, including via unified electronic visa, the procedure remains the same — the experiment only applies to visa-free entries.

For Kazakh citizens planning to travel to Russia after June 30, it is important to familiarize themselves in advance with the ruID app and the new system’s features and services.

Additional recommendations

Before traveling to Russia, Kazakh citizens are advised to check for any entry restrictions via the online service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. To do so, you will need to enter your personal details and passport information. If there is a restriction, the system will display a relevant notification.

“We recommend being prepared in advance for additional procedures at border checkpoints,” the Kazakh Embassy in Russia emphasized.

It is also noted that the import of certain plants and substances is prohibited, including the harmala plant (adraspan). Importing it carries criminal and administrative liability.

The Kazakh Embassy in Russia also stated that a PCR test is no longer required, but selective COVID-19 testing may still be conducted at the border. Travelers only need to fill out an arrival form, which is available on the website of Rospotrebnadzor.

Length of stay

Up to 30 calendar days in Russia: no mandatory registration required. More than 30 but less than 90 days: registration at the place of stay is required. More than 90 days: mandatory medical certificates, fingerprinting, and photographing. These procedures are also required for employment.

Mobile communication and payments

Starting January 1, 2025, SIM cards in Russia can only be issued based on biometric identification. Cards issued before this date must be re-registered by July 1, 2025.

Kazakh Visa and Mastercard cards do not work in Russia. For transfers and payments, it is recommended to use Russian Mir cards or money transfer systems (e.g., Western Union, Zolotaya Korona).