New Entry Rules for Russia: Changes to E-Visas, Border Crossing, and Child Travel Documents

Federal Law No. 257-FZ of July 23, 2025
“On Amendments to Articles 9 and 30 of the Law of the Russian Federation ‘On the State Border of the Russian Federation’ and the Federal Law ‘On the Procedure for Leaving and Entering the Russian Federation'” introduces changes to the rules for entering Russia.
These changes concern electronic visas, travel documents for children who are Russian citizens, and the procedure for crossing the border.

Electronic Visas: Extended Duration and Validity

• The length of stay allowed on an electronic visa has been increased to 30 days (previously 16 days).
• The validity period of the visa has been extended to 120 days (previously 60 days).

These changes come into effect on August 23, 2025, and are expected to simplify entry for foreign nationals traveling for tourism or business purposes.

New Rules for Minor Russian Citizens

Starting from January 20, 2026, children under the age of 14 will be allowed to enter and leave Russia only with a foreign (international) passport.
Birth certificates will no longer be valid for crossing the border.

Exception:
Minor Russian citizens who left Russia using a birth certificate before this date and do not have a Russian passport will still be allowed to enter the country using their birth certificate.

Flexible Border Crossing Rules

As of July 23, 2025, it is now permitted to cross the Russian border outside of official border checkpoints, if authorization is granted by the border authorities.

Document:
http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/document/0001202507230070