At the same time, according to official notifications, this mode is currently experimental, and registration in the application is voluntary. The absence of a pre-filled application and QR code is not grounds for a ban on entry into Russia, and does not entail any sanctions for a foreign citizen.
What needs to be done before entry?
- Create a personal account in the Gosuslugi RuID app by uploading a photo and personal details;
- Submit an electronic application no later than 72 hours before entry (in emergency cases, the deadline is reduced to 4 hours). The application must include the intended duration of stay.
The application is valid for 90 days. For minors, the form must be filled out by parents or guardians.
After submission, foreign citizens will be able to track their application status and receive notifications about possible entry restrictions via their personal account.
Who do the new rules apply to?
The new rules only affect foreign citizens entering without a visa - for those entering with a visa, data will be automatically added based on visa information.
However, these rules also apply to individuals with a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) or Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) if they enter Russia under visa-free arrangements.
A full list of exemptions (those not subject to the experiment) has also been published on the Gosuslugi portal.
Important clarifications
- The Gosuslugi RuID app operates separately from the main Gosuslugi portal but will later simplify registration there;
- Creating a full-fledged Gosuslugi account will require an in-person visit to a Multifunctional Center (MFC) and biometric data submission;
- When registering in the app, a SNILS (if available) must be provided.
Consequences of non-compliance
At this stage, the experiment does not impose penalties for violations. However, foreign citizens who fail to register in the Gosuslugi RuID app may be denied entry.
Frequently asked questions about the new rules
Do the new rules apply only to visa-free foreigners or to all entrants?
The changes apply exclusively to visa-free entry. For foreigners entering with visas, data will be automatically uploaded to the system based on information provided by visa centers.
Do holders of TRPs and PRPs need to register in the app?
Yes, if a foreigner with a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) or Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) enters Russia under visa-free arrangements, they must also comply with the experiment’s requirements - register in the app and submit an application.
However, while the government decree states that the experiment also applies to foreign citizens residing in Russia (temporarily or permanently), many sources, including official ones like Rossiyskaya Gazeta, report that the new rules do not affect TRP and PRP holders.
Photo source: https://ru.123rf.com/
For more information, please contact the consultants of the Confidence Group company.
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