Russia has extended its pilot project on the digital profiling of foreign citizens until the end of 2027, according to the representative office of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Labor, Migration and Employment in Russia.
Under the original plan, the digital profile system was to be fully implemented by June 30, 2026. However, Russian authorities have decided to extend the experiment for another 18 months.
As part of the initiative, foreign nationals entering Russia are required, where technically possible, to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs.
Citizens of countries that enjoy visa-free travel to Russia must also register in the unified identification system through the ruID mobile application. They are required to upload a photograph and biometric data and submit an entry application at least 72 hours before their planned arrival in Russia.
The Tajik labor ministry’s representative office also reported that, starting June 1, 2026, Russia has extended the permitted period of stay for certain categories of foreign truck drivers.
Citizens of CIS countries and Georgia employed as professional drivers in international road transport and entering Russia under the visa-free regime can now remain in the country for up to 180 days per calendar year. Previously, the maximum period of stay for this category was 90 days.
Drivers are also required to submit an application specifying the purpose of their entry and stay in Russia.
The digital profile initiative was launched following an order by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The corresponding decree was signed on July 9, 2025, with implementation initially scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2026.
The digital profile is designed as a centralized electronic registry containing information on the entry, exit, and residence of foreign citizens and stateless persons in Russia.
According to the decree, the system aims to strengthen national security, maintain public order, and improve migration management by providing more comprehensive, reliable, and up-to-date information on migration processes.
Russia also launched a biometric data collection experiment for foreign nationals on December 1, 2024. Initially, the program covered Moscow’s major airports — Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky — as well as the Mashtakovo border checkpoint in the Orenburg region.
Since June 30, 2025, biometric registration requirements have been expanded to all checkpoints along Russia’s state border.
Citizens of Belarus, as well as heads and staff of diplomatic missions and members of their families, are exempt from these requirements.
