Biometric data submission pilot program for foreigners expected to be launched in Russia on December 1

Starting December 1, 2024, Russia will initiate an experiment requiring foreign citizens and stateless individuals to submit biometric data to simplify border-crossing processes.  Current Time says this program was approved by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.According to the source, the experiment, organized by the Ministry of Digital Development, will proceed in two stages.The first stage, from December 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, will require biometric data (facial images and fingerprints) from foreigners arriving at Moscow's international airports (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky) and at the Mashatovo checkpoint in the Orenburg region.The second stage, from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026, will allow foreign citizens to submit biometric data in advance through a specialized application, easing the visa-free entry process by pre-submitting essential data and travel purpose.Belarusian citizens, children under six, accredited diplomats, international organization staff in Russia, and their families will be exempt from biometric submission.The Ministry of Digital Development reportedly stated that if the pilot proves successful, these new entry procedures could become a permanent fixture, significantly expediting entry for foreign nationals. But haven't migrants been providing fingerprints for a long time already?Yes, since 2021, all migrants entering Russia for more than three months are required to submit fingerprints and provide medical certificates confirming the absence of infectious diseases (e.g., HIV or syphilis).Foreign citizens must complete these procedures within 90 days of entering Russia, or within 30 days if they are there for work rather than study or leisure.However, with this new experiment, Russia will begin taking these biometric records immediately at airports and land checkpoints.On one hand, this is convenient, as it spares travelers from visiting local offices for fingerprinting.  There is also the risk of simply forgetting about the procedure and missing the deadline.Challenges will arise for those who planned to remain in the country illegally or previously violated laws.