• Russia has implemented significantly stricter regulations regarding the entry and stay of foreign nationals, effective January 2025.
  • The process of tightening migration rules, which began in 2024, reached record scales in the outgoing year.
  • The most notable change is the reduction of the permitted duration of stay for citizens from visa-free countries.
  • Previously allowed to stay for up to six months, these individuals are now limited to a cumulative total of 90 days within a 365-day period.

Quick Summary

Significant changes have occurred regarding the legal framework for foreign nationals entering and residing in the country. The government has moved to enforce stricter controls, culminating in new regulations that took effect in January 2025. These measures represent the latest phase in a tightening of migration policy that began in 2024.

The core of the new policy is a drastic reduction in the amount of time visitors can spend in the country. For citizens of nations that previously enjoyed visa-free travel arrangements, the rules have become much more restrictive. The government aims to manage the flow of people more effectively through these updated protocols.

New Migration Regulations Take Effect

The year 2025 began with the enforcement of new migration protocols authorized by the government. These rules were introduced to address the presence of foreign citizens and to standardize the duration of their stays. The implementation marks a pivotal moment in the country's approach to border control and immigration management.

According to the established guidelines, the changes specifically target the duration of stay for individuals from countries with visa-free agreements. The previous allowance for extended stays has been revoked in favor of a much shorter timeframe. This adjustment is intended to ensure that visitors adhere to strict timelines regarding their presence within the national borders.

Impact on Visa-Free Travelers 🛂

Citizens from visa-free countries are now subject to a strict 90-day limit on their stay. This allowance is calculated on a cumulative basis over a rolling 12-month period. This means that a visitor cannot exceed this total duration regardless of how many separate trips they take within the year.

The new regulation represents a significant reduction from the previous policy. Before the change, foreign nationals could remain in the country for up to six months (180 days) without a visa. The halving of the permitted stay time is a major constraint for those who frequently travel to the country for business, tourism, or personal reasons.

Context of the Policy Shift 📉

The introduction of the 90-day limit is not an isolated event but rather the culmination of a broader trend that started in 2024. Throughout the previous year, the government initiated a process of gradual tightening of rules surrounding foreign entry and residence. The scale of these changes has been described as reaching record levels by the end of the year.

These measures reflect a strategic shift in how the country manages its borders and interacts with the international community. By reducing the allowable stay for visa-free nationals, the authorities are signaling a move toward more controlled and limited access. The cumulative effect of these policies creates a more restrictive environment for foreign visitors compared to previous years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new stay limit for visa-free foreigners in Russia?

The new limit is 90 days within a 12-month period for citizens from visa-free countries.

When did the new migration rules come into force?

The regulations began to be enforced in January 2025.

How does the new rule differ from the previous one?

Previously, visa-free visitors could stay for up to 180 days (six months) per year; the new rule halves this duration to 90 days.