The Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation has launched the ruID mobile application for foreign citizens. The application allows you to apply for entry into Russia and receive government services in the country, RIA Novosti reports.

The application is available for download in RuStore, Google Play, AppGallery and App Store. The interface supports seven languages: English, Armenian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Russian, Tajik and Uzbek. In the future, the list of services provided is planned to be expanded.

When crossing the border, the data from the entry application is checked by border services. On their basis, a digital profile of the foreign citizen is formed, SNILS and a standard account on the “State Services” portal are created. These documents will be required later when applying for a Russian SIM card.

To apply for visa-free entry, a foreign citizen must register with ruID via email. No later than 72 hours before entering Russia, the purpose of the trip and personal data must be indicated. In exceptional cases, notification of the visit can be made four hours before crossing the border.

The procedure includes taking a photograph of the user, a photo of an identity document, recording a voice and then checking the data provided.

Citizens of Belarus, children under six years of age, diplomats and employees of diplomatic missions and consular offices of foreign states in Russia are exempt from filing an application. The exception also applies to employees of international organizations and their missions accredited in Russia, and their family members.

Since December 1, 2024, Russia has been conducting an experiment in submitting biometric data by foreigners when crossing the border. The first stage is being implemented at Moscow airports “Sheremetyevo”, “Domodedovo”, “Vnukovo” and “Zhukovsky”, as well as at the “Mashtakovo” checkpoint in the Orenburg region. Foreign citizens provide photographs of their faces and fingerprints.

The second stage will begin on June 30, 2025, when the biometric regime will be in effect at all checkpoints across the Russian state border.