The Russian government has approved a pilot program requiring foreign nationals and stateless individuals to provide biometric data for border crossings, beginning December 1, 2024.
The initiative will be implemented in two phases:
First Phase (December 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026): Biometric data collection will be conducted at select entry points, including Moscow's international airports (Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo), Zhukovsky Airport in the Moscow region, and the Mastakovo automobile checkpoint in the Orenburg region.
Second Phase (June 30, 2025 – June 30, 2026): The program will expand to all border checkpoints nationwide. Foreign nationals eligible for visa-free entry will also have the option to submit their biometric data and related information in advance through a designated mobile app.