Russia Launches Experimental Visa-Free Entry Rules for Foreigners from June 2025 to July 2026
If Russia has been sitting on your travel wishlist for years—but the visa process scared you off—this might be your moment.
From June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026, the Russian Federation is running a one-of-a-kind visa-free entry experiment for eligible foreign nationals and stateless individuals. It’s part of a bold digital transformation plan designed to simplify entry and improve access to public services.
In plain English? You can now travel to Russia visa-free under new experimental rules, and get a taste of what seamless international travel might look like in the future.
What Is This Experiment?
Backed by Government Resolution No. 1510, this 12-month pilot project will apply at all Russian border checkpoints. It’s an optional digital system for visa-free travelers that helps streamline the process before and after you arrive.
Here’s how it works:
- If you’re already eligible to enter Russia without a visa, you can register in Russia’s Unified Identification and Authentication System (UIAS).
- Then, submit an entry application digitally via the new mobile app “rulD”.
- This must be done at least 72 hours before your trip (or as late as 4 hours before entry in emergencies).
No, it’s not mandatory—but if you opt in, the benefits are worth a look.
What Do You Get If You Use the “rulD” App?
Even though the application is optional, using it comes with perks:
- Advance Entry Status Check – You can see if you’re flagged by Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs before even booking your flight.
- Digital Profile Creation – Information you submit helps build your personal digital ID in Russia, making access to services faster and smoother.
- Automatic SNILS Issuance – This is Russia’s national insurance number. Without it, you can’t buy a SIM card or register as self-employed.
- Streamlined Services – From purchasing health insurance to accessing government programs, the entire process becomes more efficient and digital.
The best part? You get these conveniences without needing a visa or any paper documents beyond your passport.
Is This Mandatory?
Not at all. If you skip the rulD app and show up at the border the old-school way, you’ll still be allowed entry—as long as your passport qualifies you for visa-free access. But using the system puts you in Russia’s digital fast lane—and may even hint at future travel requirements.
Why Should You Visit Russia in 2025–2026?
This new visa-free opportunity isn’t just about paperwork. It’s a chance to explore a country that often goes overlooked in global tourism rankings, yet offers some of the most diverse and stunning experiences on the planet.
Here’s what you can discover:
1# Moscow & Saint Petersburg
From the grandeur of the Kremlin and Red Square to the artistic brilliance of the Hermitage Museum, these cities are Russia’s cultural jewels.
2# Lake Baikal
The oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world. Perfect for hiking, wildlife watching, and winter skating adventures.
3# The Trans-Siberian Railway
One of the greatest rail journeys on Earth, stretching from Moscow to Vladivostok. An ideal way to see the vast Russian countryside.
4# Kazan & Sochi
Kazan offers a unique blend of Islamic and Orthodox culture, while Sochi on the Black Sea is Russia’s summer playground.
5# The Northern Lights in Murmansk
Skip Scandinavia and catch the aurora borealis right here in Arctic Russia.
6# Altai Mountains & Kamchatka Peninsula
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, few regions in the world compare to the raw beauty and wild landscapes here.
References
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