According to the decree of the Government of the Russian Federation, the experiment will last until June 30, 2026. During this time, if the necessary technical capabilities are available, biometric data collection (fingerprinting and photographing) will be conducted for foreign citizens and stateless persons crossing the border at the specified points.
The document also outlines categories of citizens to whom the experiment does not apply, including:
- employees of intergovernmental courier services (new point);
- citizens of Belarus;
- representatives of diplomatic missions and consulates in Russia; officials of international organizations and their representations, as well as holders of diplomatic and service passports visiting the country on official business or as part of official delegations; foreigners with national passports holding diplomatic or service visas;
- children under six years old.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia warns migrants that legalizing their stay in the country cannot be achieved by exiting and re-entering.
The next phase of the experiment, which will change the entry procedure for migrants, will begin on June 30, 2025. It will allow for the possibility of prior notification of the purpose of the visit to Russia and the submission of biometric data before the trip.
Foreign citizens, including legal representatives of minors or incapacitated persons, can fill out a special electronic application no later than 72 hours before the planned trip. This can be done through the mobile application RuID.
The press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia noted that such preliminary registration, including the submission of biometric data and filling out the electronic application, is voluntary and cannot serve as a basis for refusal of entry into the country.
