Russia has announced that starting June 30, 2025, all foreign nationals eligible for visa-free entry will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization, commonly referred to as a Russia ETA Visa, in the form of a personalized QR code.
This the country hopes would help strengthen its border security and bring it in line with other major international destinations in terms of immigration digitalization.
About Russia’s ETA System
Announced in March 2025, the electronic travel authorization applies to all foreign nationals who are exempt from a visa to enter Russia, regardless of the entry point—land, air, or sea. A pilot phase that has been in effect since December 2024 at select airports and border crossings.
The new electronic travel authorization, represented by a QR code, will soon become mandatory for travelers entering the country without a visa. To obtain this, foreign nationals entering Russia visa-free must register and submit an electronic entry request at least 72 hours prior to arrival through Russia’s official online public services portal, Gosuslugi, or via an upcoming mobile app “ruID”, which is currently under development.Upon arrival, foreign travelers may be subject to biometric screening, which can include facial photography and collecting fingerprints.
The program would initially run for a one-year pilot period ending June 30, 2026 and after the trial phase, authorities will determine whether to make the system permanent, expand it, or modify it.
However, according to the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, tourists without a QR code will not be turned away at the Russian border as the electronic travel authorization request will remain voluntary for foreign visitors until the system is fully operational.
Affected Countries
Citizens of several countries are currently able to enter Russia without a visa for a limited stay usually between 14 and 90 days, depending on bilateral agreements.
Nationals of former Soviet countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Ukraine) can stay in Russia visa-free for up to 90 days within a one-year period while Russia has also signed visa waiver agreements with several countries in Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East.
Such Visa waiver agreements include:
- 90 days: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Nicaragua, Uruguay, Venezuela, etc.
- 60 days: South Korea, Dominican Republic, Cape Verde, etc.
- 30 days: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Thailand, Mongolia, Laos, Montenegro, Botswana, etc.
- 14 days: Hong Kong, Brunei, Nauru, etc.
The new regulation however does not apply to travelers who already hold a Russian visa, nor to the following categories:
- Citizens of Belarus
- Children under 6 years old
- Diplomats and staff of diplomatic missions or consular offices in Russia, along with their family members
- Employees of international organizations accredited in Russia, and their families
How to Apply for Russian Electronic Travel Authorization
Applying via the “ruID” Mobile App
- Download and install the “ruID” app on your phone.
- Log in using your Gosuslugi username and password. If you don’t have an account, register and provide the travel document details you’ll use to cross the border.
- Submit your travel authorization request:
- No earlier than 90 days and no later
- In emergency cases (e.g., medical treatment or a relative’s death), at least 4 hours in advance, supported by official documents.
- than 72 hours before your scheduled entry;
- Fill in your travel details:
- Purpose of visit
- Planned duration of stay
- Regions you intend to visit
- Information about children traveling with you (if both parents are present, both must include the children’s info)
- Upload your biometric data to the app:
- A photo of your face
- A photo of your ID document
- A voice recording
- Wait for verification. You’ll receive a notification in your “ruID” account once your request is approved.
Applying via the Gosuslugi Portal
- Sign in to Gosuslugi with your account credentials, or register a new account.
- Access the service and provide your travel details (same steps as the “ruID” app).
- Take a photo of your face for biometric identity verification.
- Submit your request.
- Wait for verification. You’ll be notified in your personal Gosuslugi account once your authorization is granted.
