Entry to Russia for visa-free foreigners has become easier thanks to the ruID application
Since June 30, 2025, entry to Russia has become much easier for citizens of visa-free countries. Thanks to the new ruID mobile application, the entire paperwork process — from submitting an application to receiving a QR code - can be completed online in just a few minutes.
Starting from the end of June 2025, foreign citizens arriving in Russia without a visa can apply for entry documents through the new ruID mobile application. The service will allow you to create a digital profile, check the possibility of entry and receive a QR code for simplified border crossing. Then you need to visit one of the banks within 10 days. https://map.gosuslugi.ru/?layer=co&filter=reg ,cfm and verify your biometrics. The list of banks is displayed after verification.
The app is available in Tajik, Kyrgyz, Armenian, Uzbek, Kazakh, English and Russian.
For reference:
The mobile application is being launched as part of an experiment to test the rules and conditions for entry into and exit from the Russian Federation for foreign citizens and stateless persons, conducted in accordance with a Government Decree dated November 7, 2024. N 1510.
Before traveling, the user needs to download ruID (available in RuStore, Google Play, AppGallery, and App Store), register with their passport details, and fill out an entry application. It is recommended to do this at least 72 hours before crossing the border, but in emergency cases (for example, urgent medical treatment or funeral), you can submit a request 4 hours in advance.
After checking the data, a QR code will appear in the application, which, along with the passport, will need to be presented at the border and during your stay in Russia. If the application is unavailable, you can apply via Gosuslugi services.
Additional features
- Checking entry restrictions
- Automatic registration of SNILS
- Simplified receipt of a SIM card
Important:
- The application does not replace a visa – the rules do not change for visa-requiring countries.
- The absence of a QR code does not prohibit entry, but the process will be faster with it.
You can find out more about the innovation on Gosuslugi Services or view the instructions on VK and Rutube.
ruID is designed to make entry to Russia more convenient, from planning a trip to staying in the country.