Phased Experiment for Testing Rules and Conditions for Entry into and Exit from the Russian Federation for Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons for the Purpose of Collecting Biometric Personal Data

In the initial phase, commencing on December 1, 2024, and concluding on June 30, 2025, all foreign nationals and stateless persons entering or departing the Russian Federation via Moscow Aviation Hub airports (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky) are mandated to provide biometric data, including a facial image and fingerprints, at passport control checkpoints, as per the accompanying guidelines.

Subsequently, from June 30, 2025, at all Russian Federation border crossing points, foreign nationals and stateless persons will have the option to submit biometric and personal data, as well as a declaration of the purpose of their visit, following prior registration on a dedicated application.

It is important to note that these changes will not apply to citizens of the Republic of Belarus, children under the age of six, diplomats and staff members of diplomatic missions and consular establishments of foreign states in the Russian Federation and their families, employees of international organizations and their representative offices accredited in the Russian Federation, and their respective family members.

If a foreign national or stateless person declines to provide biometric personal data, their entry into the Russian Federation may be denied.

More detailed information and explanations on the operation of the rules in accordance with the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated November 7, 2024 No. 1510 are published on the website of the Federal Air Transport Agency