Starting July 1, "RuID" will become mandatory for migrants entering Russia without a visa.

Starting July 1, 2026, it will be mandatory for foreign citizens entering Russia under a visa-free regime to use the "Gosuslugi RuID" application. From now on, foreign nationals will need to submit an electronic application and register in the system at least 72 hours before entering the country. "Rakhmat.ru" reported this.

 

The new procedure will also apply to citizens of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Previously, this system operated in a test mode and its use was voluntary.

 

At the same time, this requirement will not apply to citizens of Belarus, children under 6 years of age, citizens of visa-required countries, and foreigners who hold a Russian residence permit (VNJ) or a temporary residence permit (RVP).

 

According to the new rules, foreigners must submit an application via RuID no earlier than 90 days before entering Russia and at least 72 hours in advance. In emergency cases, it will be possible to apply at least 4 hours before crossing the border, but the reason for this must be confirmed.

 

After passing border control and confirming the account on "Gosuslugi," the user will be issued a special QR code. It may be required to be presented along with the passport. The application works in Russian, English, Armenian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, and Uzbek languages.

 

Experts note that currently, no separate liability has been established for not using RuID. However, such norms may be introduced in the future. According to lawyer Sergey Andreiso, the absence of a QR code could potentially cause problems for migrants when being registered for migration in Russia.

 

Furthermore, liability under Article 18.8 of the Russian Code of Administrative Offenses — violation of the stay procedure for foreign citizens in the country — may be applied later. This article provides for a fine of 2,000 to 5,000 rubles and administrative deportation.

 

Legal experts note that the RuID system allows the Russian government to collect biometric data of foreigners, control migration flows, and reduce the risk of illegal migration. The new system also serves to gradually transition paper migration cards to a digital format.

 

Migration lawyer Roman Stepanov specifically emphasized that using RuID is not a guarantee of entry into Russia. According to him, border service officers have the right to deny entry to any foreigner without explaining the reason, and the application does not affect this decision.

 

Additionally, through the RuID application, foreigners will have the ability to obtain SNILS, INN, patents, and medical insurance, pay taxes, queue for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, conclude employment contracts, and track document deadlines.