New entry rules: Russian Embassy addresses Kazakh citizens

Tengrinews.kz – Starting from June 30, 2025, Russia will introduce new entry and exit procedures for foreign citizens, including Kazakh nationals. The Russian Embassy in Kazakhstan published an official explanation.

It was announced that from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026, an experimental phase will take place to test new rules and conditions for entry, covering all checkpoints at the Russian state border.

The main innovation concerns visa-free entry: travelers are encouraged to complete pre-registration through the Unified System of Identification and Authentication and submit an electronic entry application via the new mobile app ruID. The embassy clarified that filling out the entry application is voluntary.

"The newly introduced registration procedure for foreign nationals entering the Russian Federation, implemented as part of an experiment, does not represent a change in the visa-free regime of mutual travel between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan," the embassy emphasized.

Thus, the visa-free regime between Kazakhstan and Russia remains in effect, and submitting an application through ruID is not mandatory, although the Russian side recommends using the app.

“The absence of a completed entry application will not affect the border control procedures carried out by Russian border authorities. However, we recommend using the ruID app to gain additional advantages, such as access to Russian online public services, mobile operator services, payments, and more,” the statement says.

How ruID works and who needs it

The ruID app will be available for download in app stores no later than June 24, 2025. Registration is carried out through a government services account (if you already have one) or from scratch by entering personal information.

In the entry application, travelers must provide:

• country of departure;
• purpose and duration of the trip;
• regions to be visited in Russia;
• details of accompanying children (must be entered by both parents if the child is traveling with them).

The app also supports biometric data collection, including:

• facial photo,
• passport scan,
• voice recording.

“In the app, you’ll be able to submit biometric data — a facial photo, passport scan, and voice recording. If your biometric data has already been registered in Russia, you may submit the entry application on the government services website, providing trip details and a facial photo. At the border, you’ll need to present the identity document whose details you entered in the ruID app,” the message explains.

Important to know:

• The entry application can be submitted no earlier than 90 days and no later than 72 hours before the trip.
• In emergency situations (e.g., illness or death of a relative), it is allowed to submit the application 4 hours before departure, provided supporting documents are available.
• At the border, travelers must present the same identity document that was specified in ruID.
• Within 10 days after entering Russia, travelers must complete registration in the Unified Biometric System (UBS) by visiting a bank branch.
• It is also recommended to confirm your account on the public services website through a service center or MFC office (Multifunctional Center) in Russia.

What about visa-based entry?

For those entering Russia with a visa, including the unified electronic visa, the entry procedure remains unchanged — the new experimental system applies only to visa-free travelers.

Kazakh citizens planning a trip to Russia after June 30 are advised to familiarize themselves with the ruID app and the features of the new system in advance.