Russia сonsiders advance requirement for visa-free foreign visitors

Russia is planning to introduce a requirement for foreign nationals entering under a visa-free regime to provide advance notice of their intended travel, according to a draft law prepared by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.

The ministry’s official spokesperson, Irina Volk, announced on Telegram that a pilot version of the notification system has already been in place since June 30 last year, allowing foreign nationals to submit advance travel information on a trial basis, Caliber.Az reports. 

The draft law also envisions the abolition of migration cards starting January 1, 2028. The move is linked to the fact that data currently recorded on migration cards is already exchanged electronically between federal executive bodies, reducing the need for paper-based documentation.

In addition, Russian authorities are working on the creation of a “Digital Profile of a Foreign National,” a system designed to centralise and streamline migrant data.

According to Volk, these measures are intended to strengthen oversight of foreign nationals’ stay in Russia, while eliminating duplication of functions across government agencies.

By Sabina Mammadli