Table of Contents
The facts
UPDATE AT 2026-01-29: The Russian government is moving forward with a new system to create extensive digital profiles for all foreign visitors. This initiative has gained traction recently, as the Interior Ministry has repeatedly published identical regulatory documents on its official online portal. The reason for these multiple postings remains unclear, but they indicate a significant government effort to enhance surveillance.
The system’s design
The proposed system aims to establish a centralized repository that consolidates various data on foreign nationals and stateless individuals entering, exiting, or residing in Russia. Each federal agency will be required to contribute their existing information on foreigners to this unified database, managed by the Interior Ministry.
The mechanics of data collection
UPDATE AT 2026-01-29: Russian authorities are currently gathering biometric data from foreign visitors. Since the start of 2026, access to Russian phone numbers for foreigners is limited to those who register on the State Services portal. These individuals must also visit a bank to submit personal photographs and voice recordings.
Additionally, as of December 1, 2026, foreigners arriving at Moscow airports are required to provide biometric identifiers, including fingerprints, upon entry. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create extensive digital profiles for all foreign visitors.
Types of data collected
The scope of information recorded is extensive. It includes essential details such as name, date of birth, gender, nationality, phone number, and email address. Additionally, it covers complex specifics, including medical conditions that may result in a visitor being denied entry. Notably, Russia prohibits the entry of foreigners suffering from any of 16 diseases deemed dangerous, ranging from HIV to various coronavirus infections. The digital profiles will also document familial relationships, creating separate records for immediate relatives, including children.
Government motivations and objectives
In, an executive order from President Vladimir Putin mandates the compilation of various data types, specifying at least 25 categories for collection by multiple agencies. A draft decree from the Interior Ministry elaborates on these categories, creating an extensive list that sometimes overlaps. Agencies like the Federal Service for the Supervision of Education and Science (Rosobrnadzor) have planned to gather numerous specific data points.
Focus on security and migration
The Russian Constitution prohibits restricting citizens’ entry into the country. However, the government monitors them through a federal population registry established years ago. A newly proposed digital profile system aims to document all foreigners in Russia, including those planning to enter and who have submitted the required documentation. The government defends its extensive data collection by citing goals such as enhancing state security and refining migration policies.
Nonetheless, the government’s motivations appear to diverge from the stated objectives outlined in President Putin’s executive order, which emphasizes state security and public order. The Interior Ministry’s focus seems to center primarily on addressing Russia’s migration situation and related processes.
Implications for foreign visitors
The implications of this initiative for foreign visitors are substantial. As the Russian government advances its plan to create a digital profile for every foreign national, visitors may face heightened scrutiny. The collection of sensitive information raises concerns about privacy and the risk of data misuse.
As this initiative develops, it is essential for foreign nationals to remain aware of their rights and the specifics of the data being collected. Understanding these regulations will aid visitors in navigating their experiences in Russia while being cognizant of the surveillance measures in effect.
The Russian government’s digital profiling system marks a significant change in its approach to monitoring foreign nationals. This initiative aligns with broader global trends in surveillance practices. The ongoing tension between security and individual privacy will likely spark intense debate in the coming years.