Russia may simplify rules for foreign drivers engaged in international transportation. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has prepared a draft government resolution that provides for changing the limits of their stay in the country.
According to the Interior Ministry's initiative, the temporary stay period in Russia for this category of foreign citizens may be increased from 90 to 180 days within one calendar year. It is important to emphasize that this is only a draft so far, and the changes will take effect only after the official adoption of the resolution.
According to the draft, the condition for extending the period will be the submission of a special application in electronic form. It must be submitted via the ruID mobile application, linked to the Gosuslugi portal.
According to the draft authors' plan, the application will need to be accompanied by:
- A copy of an identity document.
- Documents confirming activity in the field of international road freight transport.
If the initiative is adopted but a driver does not submit an application via ruID, the current general procedure will apply to them – no more than 90 days of stay per year.
The goal of the proposed changes is to support the uninterrupted operation of international logistics chains. The final decision and the timing of the rules coming into force will be known after the official consideration of the draft.
We also remind you that a draft law was recently submitted to the State Duma proposing, on the contrary, to reduce the stay period for foreign citizens arriving in Russia without a visa to 30 days per year.
Also, according to the migration policy action plan for 2026-2030, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Digital Development and the Ministry of Internal Affairs will have to ensure, by the end of 2026, the exchange of data between the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Internal Affairs regarding drivers engaged in international road transport in Russia, as well as regarding travel documents purchased by foreign citizens who are included in the register of controlled persons.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1: By how much do they want to increase the stay period for foreign drivers?
They want to increase the temporary stay period from 90 to 180 days within one calendar year.
2: What is the main condition for extending the period to 180 days?
Answer: It is necessary to submit an electronic application via the ruID mobile application on the Gosuslugi portal.
3: What documents are needed to submit the application?
Answer: A copy of an identity document and documents confirming employment in international road freight transport.
4: What is the ruID application?
Answer: ruID is an official mobile application linked to the Gosuslugi portal, designed, among other things, for identification and submission of applications by foreign citizens (details in our news).
5: If I don't submit an application, how long can I stay in Russia?
Answer: If the application is not submitted, the general procedure applies – no more than 90 days in total during the year.
6: Who can use this innovation?
Answer: Foreign citizens carrying out international road freight transport to Russia or in transit.
7: Is this rule already in effect?
Answer: At the moment, this is a draft resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation, prepared by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Photo source: https://ru.freepik.com/
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