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Russia to Introduce Biometric Data Requirements for Foreign Visitors


November 18th, 2024 at 05:38 am

Russia to Introduce Biometric Data Requirements for Foreign Visitors

By implementing a biometric data gathering system for foreign visitors, Russia is making a major advancement in border security. As of December 1, 2024, travelers will need to present their fingerprints and face photographs at certain checkpoints.

Russia will collect biometric information from international visitors arriving at Moscow’s main airports on December 1. This program seeks to improve migrant flow management and strengthen national security.

The Collection of Biometric Data Starts on December 1

Russia will begin collecting biometric data from foreign tourists in a trial period on December 1, 2024. This stage, which will conclude on June 30, 2026, will initially concentrate on the four main airports in Moscow: Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky. The experimental program will also encompass the Mashtakovo border crossing in the Orenburg region.

What Information Will Be Gathered?

When arriving at these entry sites, foreign nationals and stateless people will be asked to produce their fingerprints and facial images for border control. This action is a component of Russia’s plan to improve national security and expedite the process of welcoming foreign visitors.

Plans for Biometric Collection Expansion in 2025

Russia intends to extend the collection of biometric data to all border crossings across the country by June 30, 2025. To expedite the border control process, travelers who are eligible for visa-free entrance into Russia will have the opportunity to pre-submit their biometric information via a specific smartphone application.

The Biometric Data Requirement Exemptions

Some groups will not be required to submit biometric information. These consist of:

  • Belarusian citizens
  • Youngsters younger than six
  • Diplomatic and consular personnel with accreditation
  • Families and representatives of reputable international organizations

Russia Will Offer Travelers Multilingual Guidance

The Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Media will provide comprehensive guidance on the new processes to guarantee clarity and accessibility for foreign visitors. Through the national public services webpage, these instructions will be accessible in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Spanish, Tajik, and Uzbek.

A Move in the Direction of Increased Security

The project adopts biometric technologies for border control in line with worldwide trends. Russian authorities stress that other areas, like the Schengen Zone, already have comparable policies in place. A statement from the Ministry’s press office claims that by offering comprehensive information on incoming travelers, biometric data gathering may greatly improve security standards.

Russia’s Prospects for Biometric Data Collection

Russia intends to make biometric data collection a permanent requirement for foreign tourists if the trial phase is successful. This action is thought to be a means of bringing travel into line with international standards, which will make it safe and effective.

Russia’s decision to incorporate biometric data gathering is part of a larger worldwide initiative to update border security and make it easier for foreign visitors to enter and exit the country. Whether the nation will completely implement biometric technology for border management after 2026 will depend on the results of this experimental period.

Russia Set to Introduce Visa-Free Access for Indian Tourists

By spring 2025, Russia plans to grant Indian tourists visa-free entrance, facilitating their travel to Moscow. This new strategy is expected to improve India-Russia tourism cooperation and expedite travel.

Visa-free travel is expected to start as early as spring 2025, meaning Indian tourists may soon be allowed to visit Russia without a visa. Evgeny Kozlov, the chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, recently announced this initiative, which is part of a calculated attempt to boost Indian travel to Moscow.

Visa-Free Travel to Russia

The visa-free travel plan is to increase travel from India, a major market for Russian tourism, and make Moscow more accessible to Indian tourists. Kozlov claims that this action will streamline travel and provide new opportunities for Indian tourists who are eager to experience Moscow’s diverse commercial and cultural offers.

The Increase in Travel to India

Moscow is attracting more and more Indian tourists. In the first half of 2024 alone, more than 28,500 Indian tourists traveled to the Russian capital, a 1.5-fold increase over the same period the year before. By the end of 2023, India has risen 26% from 2022 to become one of the top non-CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries for tourists visiting Moscow.

Key Highlights:

  • 28,500 Indian visitors in the first half of 2024, according to visitor growth
  • 1.5 times as many Indian visitors as there were at the beginning of 2023
  • Top Market: India is the most popular non-CIS nation for travel to Moscow.
  • Significant Increase: from 2022 to 2023, Indian tourist numbers increased by 26%.

Current E-Visa Process

Currently, Indian tourists can visit Russia by applying for an e-visa, which normally takes four days to process. With almost 9,500 e-visas granted to Indian nationals in 2023, India was one of the top five countries for e-visas to Russia. Even before the visa-free regime, there was a high level of interest, as seen by the 1,700 e-visas issued to Indian travelers in January 2024 alone.

Improving Relations Between Russia and India

The goal of this visa-free travel program is to strengthen India-Russian cultural and commercial relations. By making it simpler for Indian tourists to arrange hassle-free vacations to Russia, the new policy will promote greater travel and deepen ties between the two nations.

A More Easy Journey Is Awaiting

Indian travelers might anticipate a smooth trip to Russia with the possible implementation of visa-free travel in 2025. Moscow will become a popular travel destination for Indian tourists as a result of this project, which portends a bright future for more tourism and improved relations between India and Russia. As this fascinating development progresses, stay tuned for further updates.

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