Translated with AI
From July 1, 2025, Russia began a phased shutdown of mobile communications for foreign citizens who have not registered in the Unified Biometric System (UBS). This was reported by Fergana.ru with reference to the Russian Ministry of Digital Development.
The new rules require all foreigners using Russian SIM cards to confirm their identity using biometric data and register them through the State Services portal. According to the Ministry of Digital Development, over 2 million foreign citizens have so far registered in the Unified Biometric System and reissued contracts under the new rules.
From January 1, 2025, foreigners can enter into contracts with telecom operators only after submitting biometrics, registering SNILS and creating a verified account on Gosuslugi. No more than 10 SIM cards are allowed per person. For owners of previously issued numbers, the deadline for submitting biometrics expired on July 1.
The shutdown will take place in stages:
– numbers that have been inactive for more than three months are disconnected immediately;
– for active numbers, international and long-distance calls are first blocked and the Internet speed is reduced, and after 30 days the connection is completely disconnected if the subscriber does not have time to renew the contract.
To renew the contract, foreigners who are in Russia need to check the number of subscriber numbers registered to them in the "SIM cards" section of "Gosuslugi". For extra numbers, the contract should be terminated, for the remaining numbers, you need to go to a communications store and confirm your identity using biometrics from the Unified Biometric System.
A digital profile has been in effect for foreigners just entering Russia since June 30: you can now submit an entry application and register your biometrics in advance via the ruID mobile app, and a profile will be created at the border, including your SNILS and an account on Gosuslugi.
