Starting from December 1, foreign nationals and stateless individuals will be required to submit biometric data upon entering Russia. This regulation was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in a government decree dated November 7.
The experiment for collecting biometrics at border crossing points will last until June 30, 2026. In the initial phase, it will apply to Moscow airports including Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky, and the cargo-passenger vehicle checkpoint at Mashtakovo in the Orenburg region.
The second phase, commencing on June 30, 2025, will extend the experiment to all border crossing points into Russia. The legal portal "Garant" notes that during this period, a digital profile will be created for each foreign national entering the country.
Foreigners entering Russia will need to provide biometric data, including a facial image and fingerprints.
According to the decree, exceptions will be made for citizens of Belarus, diplomats, consular staff, employees of international organizations, holders of diplomatic passports, diplomatic and service visas, as well as their family members and children under the age of 6.
Qanot Sharq has reported that the procedure may take additional time, advising passengers to arrive early at Domodedovo Airport in Moscow to avoid delays. The biometrics collection takes place in the border control area, as clarified by the airline.
As of October 1, additional passport control procedures for foreign citizens have been implemented at Domodedovo Airport. The passport control booths now include photography and fingerprinting.
Tightening Migration Policy in Russia
In April, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia introduced a draft law aimed at enhancing control over foreigners. This law would require photographing and fingerprinting of all arriving foreign nationals (currently, this is only for labor migrants and those staying for more than 90 days).
Foreign citizens can submit their biometric data in advance at the Ministry of Internal Affairs' foreign offices, noted the department's spokesperson, Police Major General Irina Volk. Such offices are present in 30 countries, including Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
Additionally, there are proposals to introduce a unified identification document for foreigners in Russia. The draft law also included provisions for foreigners to sign "loyalty agreements."
Earlier, Spot reported that Uzbekistan and China intend to liberalize their visa regime.