Several changes to Russian migration legislation came into force on June 1, affecting the entry and stay procedures for foreign nationals, including migrants from CIS countries.
According to the Representation of the Ministry of Labor and Migration of Tajikistan in Russia, the deadline for the biometric registration requirement at border checkpoints, as well as the use of the mobile application “RuID” for entry applications, has been extended until the end of 2027. Applications must now be submitted at least 72 hours before travel.
Previously, the experimental framework for these procedures was set to expire on June 30, 2026.
Under the current rules, visa-free entrants are required to register in the “RuID” mobile application no later than 72 hours before arrival. This includes uploading a photograph, providing biometric data, and submitting an electronic entry request.
The representation also noted that, as of June 1, the permitted period of temporary stay in Russia has been extended for certain categories of international truck drivers. Citizens of CIS member states and Georgia engaged in cross-border transportation are now allowed to remain in the country for up to 180 days, compared to the previous limit of 90 days.
Authorities clarified that these individuals must also complete the required entry and stay procedures. Earlier regulations had limited their stay to 90 days under a system that was set to remain in effect until June 1, 2026.
The biometric pilot program, introduced in 2024, requires foreign citizens entering or exiting Russia through major airports such as Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky, as well as the Mashtakovo land border checkpoint in the Orenburg region, to undergo fingerprinting and facial photography.
The Ministry of Digital Development of Russia has previously stated that, if successful, the system could be made permanent and simplify border procedures for foreign nationals.
However, reports suggest ongoing difficulties at border checkpoints, where some foreign citizens face long waiting times and, in some cases, are denied entry without explanation.
According to Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, 72,000 foreign nationals were expelled from the country in 2025.
Over the past two years, Russian authorities have steadily tightened migration rules, introducing additional requirements for foreign workers. These include the creation of a registry of controlled persons for violators and mandatory electronic notifications prior to travel.
