Russia has recently launched (on an experimental basis) a system that collects personal, biometric, and even genetic data in some cases 
.
The article explains what it is, how it works, who it affects, what paperwork you need to complete before traveling, and how it compares to other countries.
If you’re interested or have already experienced these new procedures, I’d love to hear your thoughts! You can read the full article here:
Thanks for putting this article together. I guess welcome to the future. Its creepy that this is what they are doing to us but the only other option is to stay home. I’ve been watching for the rollout of ETIAS requirements but is seems to be delayed again until 2026. In the US currently they scan your face several different times (sometimes with a cell phone as you board) and then claim its only kept “in the system” for 24 hours. Total BS. They are creating a database for mass surveillance. Having just been to AUS and NZ in 2024, both countries required separate app registration and invasive biometrics on arrival. As a USA passport holder, arriving to the UK, its a very easy entry with no human contact, just a face scan, passport scan, and on you go. Hopefully this new system in Russia will be equally efficient.
I am curious how it will integrate with current profiles in Gosuslugi and EBS. By now EBS biometrics, that I have, do record face and voice, and are valid for two years.
Basically there is a difference in the way MFC and EBS do the recording and the additional records like fingeprints that are planned for the border system. As you article suggests, it will be just about visiting again MFC for us already in the system.
I guess I will post an illustrated comment about my experience. It is easy to do it all, but i can be tedious because delay for SNILS, occasional random technical maintenance and glitches, as well as level of knowledge about the process by the agents.
In my case i had to visit twice MFC twice for SNILS, and twice for Gosuslugi profile, then again twice Sber for the biometrics. And i do it in (broken) Russian, i mean communication is easy, but otherwise at MFC …
@antoniob Thanks a lot for sharing your experience — it’s really helpful for others going through the same process or planning to do it soon. What you mention about the differences between EBS, MFC, and the new border control system fits with what we’re starting to see: even people who already have their biometrics recorded may still be asked to visit the MFC again, especially if fingerprint data wasn’t collected previously.
Your example is a great reminder that while the process might seem straightforward on paper, in reality it often means multiple visits, long waits, and dealing with staff who may not always be fully informed. I’d love to see the illustrated comment you mentioned — I’m sure it would help a lot of people be better prepared and avoid some frustration.
@Irena Your example is a great reminder that while the process might seem straightforward on paper, in reality it often means multiple visits, long waits, and dealing with staff who may not always be fully informed.
as I describe in the thread I posted, the multiple visits were because some random network slowness at MFC and in the EBS system. That’s ok as I was on holiday anyway, no problem to set the visit to MFC anytime. First step, for SNILS, is where official online information is not very accurate. It says on Gosuslugi site:
https://www.gosuslugi.ru/help/faq/snils/1000111
Где получить СНИЛС:
У работодателя. Он отправит ваши данные и заполненную анкету в Социальный фонд (СФР) не позднее следующего рабочего дня после заключения договора. СНИЛС передадут работодателю в течение 5 рабочих дней
В отделении СФР или офисе МФЦ. Возьмите с собой паспорт. Иностранцам и лицам без гражданства также понадобится его нотариально заверенный перевод на русский язык
СНИЛС оформят в день обращения
for us it is the 2nd case and it say issuance on the spot. But at my first visit, I got instead a receipt of application, and instructed there was one day delay. So had to return.
Formally Social Fund (SFR) is an administrative department by itself, MFC is the umbrella for all departments, so my guess is that it is about the way databases across departments work.
Also there have been in recent times (one/two years) announcements about progressive streamlining of services. If electronic systems are being reworked and streamlined there may be glitches meanwhile.
That said if you are on vacation, it is a minor annoyance to spend half-hour to an hour at MFC.
I got to meet this new machine around 1 year ago when I flew into St Petersburg. I had to do several finger print presses and it took my photo.
@Irena Hi Irina, I’m trying to confirm some of this new information and you might already understand it. From what I find on the mid.ru websites, the new ruID entry requirements are targeting specifically “visa free foreigners” entering Russia. So anyone with a eVisa or a standard Visa is not required to register on the ruID app prior to entry. Can you confirm this? The quick step-by-step cheat sheet on that website shows the first step is “Entering with a Visa?” If yes, skip to step #6 which bypasses all the ruID app stuff and say go directly to border control. But step #7 says "Go to a bank within 10 days and CONFIRM your biometrics, and then “Get a SIM card.” What are your thoughts on #7 when someone doesnt need the ruID to enter and doesn’t want a SIM card?
@KO11 Yes, that’s correct. The ruID app is only required for visa-free travelers. If you’re entering Russia with an eVisa or a regular visa, you don’t need to register with ruID or go to a bank to confirm your biometrics. That step is only necessary if you want to get a Russian SIM card, etc, but it’s optional — you can simply use an eSIM instead.
@Irena Great, thanks for confirming.
Hey just thought I’d share my experience from last week. I arrived at night and a big crowd was in the foreigners line. I was one of a few who got sent back to wait after doing the biometrics, then sent downstairs to another passport control area, and was soon sent through there.
TV had a news story later that night on how crowded the airport was. I still don’t know what it was all about, they seemed tied up in logistics somehow