Hey, I am planning on traveling to Russia sometimes next year, I just read recently that foreigners had to download an application called “ruID” and register their biometric data to receive a QR code before traveling to Russia. Does this QR code replace the eVISA (that I have to apply for on the MID.RU website) or do I have to do both?
Thx
@Kirilovich I’m interested in this too. What I’ve found states "In accordance with the rules of the experiment which will be held from 30 June 2025 to 30 June 2026 at every border control checkpoint of the Russian Federation, foreign citizens planning to enter the Russian Federation visa‑free must register in the integrated identification and authentication system and submit an application to enter into and stay (reside) in the Russian Federation using the mobile application “ruID” not later than 72 hours before their arrival. "
This states entry for visa free foreigners and says nothing about eVisa or standard Visa (in my case.) So I assume we do not need to register on the ruID app prior to entry.
Can anyone confirm?
@KO11 I’ve also found a PDF from the official website that shows everything step by step.
First step is "Entering with a visa? Yes? Go to #6.
#6 is “Go through border control.”
Which bypasses everything involved with the ruID app.
#7 however is confusing because it states “visit a bank within 10 days to confirm biometrics.” and talks about the gosusiuing account and “get a SIM.” But what if I dont want a SIM card and I find nothing that says its required to visit a bank to register biometrics? So I need research that more. Prior to this information, when I visited early 2025, this was not required unless I wanted to get a SIM card.
@KO11 I’m behind on this and need to read other threads but the gosuslugi website is only in Russian language and while I cant read Russian I can see almost everything on the site refers to ruID.
So again, if foreigners entering on a Visa, and who do not require a SIM card, and are not required to register with the ruID app prior, seems then are not going to be required to go to a bank and go through the process to register everything?
#7 seems directly related to the ruID entry foreigners.
Confirmed with Irena, the ruID is for visa free foreigners specifically.
I guess the biometric control in connection with the ruID is accomplished at the border control. But what happens when crossing the border from Belarus, since there are no border controls?
And is the ruID a substitute for the migration card required by hotels?
@KO11 thx for the update, I still don’t get it, sounds a bit fishy to me… like does “visa-free” mean literally foreign travelers who do not carry a “traditional tourist visa” or does it also extend to eVISAs ? so confusing but I guess if you already got an evisa (on the MID website) then no need to register on the ruID app… correct?
Correct. If you have an e-visa or traditional visa. You do not need to use the RUID app. This is for those who do not need a visa at all. With a visa your information is mostly collected and is in their system. Those who are visa free [78 countries] can no longer just show up at the door and say “hey let me in”