The Russian government has approved an experiment to be conducted from December 1 on foreigners and stateless persons submitting biometric data to be able to cross the Russian border. The corresponding decree was signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
Two-Stage Implementation
The document states that the experiment will take place in two stages. In the first stage, foreigners entering the Russian Federation through the international airports of Moscow (Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo) and the Moscow region (Zhukovsky) and the automobile checkpoint in the Orenburg region (Mastakovo) will submit biometric data at checkpoints from December 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026.
In the second stage, from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026, the experiment will be extended to all checkpoints in the country, and foreigners benefiting from Russia’s visa waiver regime will be able to submit their biometric data and information in advance via a dedicated mobile app.
Exemptions for Specific Groups from Biometric Data Requirements
- Citizens of Belarus
- Children under six years of age
- Diplomats and employees of diplomatic missions and consular offices of foreign states in Russia, as well as members of their families
- Employees of international organizations and their missions accredited in the Russian Federation, and members of their families
The document also states that the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is obliged to notify diplomatic missions and consulates of foreign states about the experiment.
The experiment is being conducted at the initiative of the Ministry of Digital Development. “Such conditions have been in place for many years, for example, for obtaining Schengen visas. Additional information about those entering helps countries improve their security level,” the ministry’s press service explained.
“If the experiment is deemed successful, such rules will be in effect on a permanent basis,” the Ministry of Digital Development concluded.
Source: TASS
 and the Moscow region (Zhukovsky) and the automobile checkpoint in the Orenburg region (Mastakovo) will submit biometric data at checkpoints from December 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026.In the second stage, which will take place from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026, foreigners will be able to submit biometric data in advance in a special application and submit an application with their data and information about the purpose of the visit for visa-free entry to Russia.){kind=link}