Russia Arrival Card: Migration Card & Entry Guide

When travelling to Russia, having your passport and visa ready is only part of the preparation. You’ll also need to understand the Russian migration card, an important immigration document for many foreign visitors entering the country.

Knowing how to complete and keep it properly can help you avoid unnecessary problems during your stay. Common questions include checking the details before signing, understanding which portion to retain, and knowing whether you need to register your place of accommodation after arrival.

In this guide, we’ll explain the Russian migration card step by step, cover key entry procedures and highlight the latest requirements, so you can prepare your documents with greater confidence before your trip.

Overview of Russia Arrival Card

The Russian migration card is an immigration document issued to eligible foreign travellers when they enter Russia. It records important information, including your arrival date, purpose of visit and intended length of stay.

While some visitors may assume it is simply a routine form for border clearance, the document also plays an important role in recording your immigration status. You may need to present it when leaving Russia or during certain official checks, and it is separate from the registration of your place of accommodation.

Once you receive your migration card, keep it in a safe place throughout your trip. Losing it does not automatically mean you will be prohibited from leaving the country, but you may need to report the loss and follow additional procedures to obtain a replacement.

This can take time and potentially affect your travel plans, so it is best to keep the document secure until your departure.

Summary of why you need to keep your arrival card

Do You Still Need to Fill Out a Russian Immigration Card?

In the past, travellers entering Russia were often required to complete a migration card themselves, sometimes during their flight. Filling it out could be stressful for visitors unfamiliar with the Russian or English instructions, especially when several details had to be provided.

The process may vary depending on the airport and entry procedures, so travellers should not assume that every airport uses the same system. At some entry points, immigration officials may provide a completed or printed card for you to review, while other situations may require you to supply the information yourself.

Regardless of the process, check that your personal details are correct before signing or accepting the document, and keep it safe throughout your stay. Understanding the information requested on a Russian migration card can help you prepare for arrival and avoid confusion at the border.

How To Get Your Russian Immigration Card At Border Control

When you arrive in Russia, pay close attention during immigration clearance, as this is where you'll receive or complete your Russian migration card. You'll need to keep this document safe throughout your stay, as it may be required when you leave the country. The arrival process generally involves the following steps:

1. Queue at the immigration checkpoint.
2. Present your passport to the immigration officer.
3. Allow the officer to check your travel documents and details.
4. Receive your Russian migration card, if applicable.
5. Review the information carefully, sign where required and keep the document safe.

First, join the immigration queue and present your passport when called. The officer will verify your details and handle the migration card process according to the procedures in place.

Depending on the entry point, the card may be completed or printed for you, or you may need to provide the required information yourself.

Before signing, check that all details are correct, as your signature confirms the information you've provided or verified. Keep the card securely stored until you depart Russia.

Verifying the information on the form printed by the staff

Sign In/Sign Out Arrival Card (Arrival vs. Departure)

Once you receive your Russian migration card, take a moment to review the details before signing. Your signature confirms that the information recorded on the document is accurate, so make sure it matches your passport and travel details.

The card typically consists of two sections, Part A and Part B. Although both sections look similar, they serve different purposes during the immigration process.

• Part A: Usually retained by immigration officials when you enter Russia.
• Part B: Given to you to keep safely until you leave the country.

Where to sign and how to use your Russian immigration card

What is RUID Russia?

RuID is a digital platform introduced as part of Russia’s efforts to modernise its immigration and traveller registration procedures.

Launched in 2025, the system is designed to simplify the collection and management of visitors’ information, helping authorities process travel details more efficiently and reduce reliance on paperwork. Depending on the applicable procedure, travellers may be asked to submit personal details and information about their planned stay before arrival.

However, RuID should not automatically be treated as a replacement for the Russian migration card. The two serve different purposes, and the requirements may depend on a traveller’s nationality, entry arrangements and the latest immigration rules.

Before travelling, check whether you need to complete any RuID registration and whether a migration card will also be issued or required during your visit.

For 2026, it is also worth noting that Russia’s RuID pilot programme has been extended until 31 December 2027, with additional rules for certain visa-free travellers entering for work or study.

The requirements are not identical for all visitors, so check the rules that apply to your nationality and travel purpose before departure

Steps for filling out the RuID Russia form 72 hours before departure

Step 1: Download the app

• Download the app from or and open the app

Step 2: Create an account

• Select language
• Sign up for an account and fill in all your personal details
• Enter the verification code from the image
• Set password

Step 3: Enter your passport details

Have your passport ready, and make sure to fill in every detail exactly as it appears, for example

• (Last Name)
• (Name)
• Date of birth
• (Gender) : Male Female
• Nationality:
• Passport number
• Passport issue and expiration dates

Step 4: Upload biometric data

The app will ask you to submit information, including

• 📷 Headshot
• 📘 Passport information page photo
• 🎤 Record a short audio clip as prompted by the app

Step 5: Enter your travel details

Example of information to fill in

• Date of entry into Russia
• Date of departure from Russia
• Purpose of travel (Tourism / Business / Visit, etc.)
• First city you enter in the country, e.g., Moscow
• Accommodation or hotel
• If you're traveling with children, be sure to add their details as accompanying passengers.

Step 6: Submit request

Verify that all information is correct, then click submit to send your request.

• At least 72 hours in advance
• and no more than 90 days before travel
• For certain types of emergencies, you may be able to apply closer to your travel date, provided you meet the specified criteria.

Step 7: Get your QR Code

Once the request has been processed, you will receive in the app

• Take a screenshot
• or print it out to keep with you
• Present this along with your passport at immigration if requested by an officer.

Documents to prepare

• Singapore passport (should have at least 6 months of validity remaining)
• Flight ticket
• Hotel or accommodation details
• Valid email address
• A phone with a camera and microphone

Accommodation Registration At Russia

This is a crucial point you absolutely cannot overlook.

Once you've received your Russian migration card, the next vital step is to register your accommodation in Russia, as it's a legal requirement to track where you're staying in the country.

How many days can I stay before I need to register?

In general, foreign visitors staying in Russia for more than 7 working days may need to complete migration registration, depending on their circumstances and any applicable exemptions.

Hotels usually handle the registration process for their guests, while visitors staying in private accommodation may need their host to arrange it. However, don't assume registration has been completed automatically.

Check with your hotel or host to confirm that the necessary details have been submitted correctly.

The table below outlines the key information about accommodation registration in Russia to help you understand the process before your trip.

Difference between hotels and Airbnb

What Should You Do If You Are Losing Russia Arrival Card

Misplacing your Russian migration card can happen, particularly if you're travelling between cities or changing hotels frequently. If this happens, stay calm and take action as soon as possible.

In general, you should report the loss to the nearest police station and obtain a report or confirmation of the incident. You can then contact the relevant immigration authorities to find out how to apply for a replacement migration card and what documents you'll need to provide.

Processing times may vary depending on your location and the authorities' workload, so allow extra time to resolve the issue.

What to do if you lose your Russia arrival card

Happy Holiday!

Travelling to Russia can be a smooth experience when you understand the entry procedures and prepare your documents in advance. Although some immigration processes have become more streamlined, it's still important to keep your Russian migration card safe from arrival until departure.

Don't forget to check the accommodation registration requirements for your stay, especially if you're staying in a private apartment or with a host rather than at a hotel. Taking care of these details early can help you avoid unnecessary stress during your trip.

For a more convenient travel experience, use a trusted booking platform like Trip.com to arrange your flights and accommodation, explore available deals and enjoy access to 24/7 customer support whenever you need assistance.

With your travel essentials organised ahead of time, you can focus on enjoying your Russian adventure with greater peace of mind.