Foreign Ministry Comments on Russia's Online Registration Before Entrance

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry has clarified new rules for citizens traveling to Russia, Orda.kz reports.

At a briefing, ministry spokesperson Aibek Smadiyarov explained that Kazakhstan's citizens must now register on the Russian platform RuID before entry.

The new requirements were published on the website of Kazakhstan’s Embassy in Russia.

Citizens of Kazakhstan traveling to Russia need to study the new requirements in advance so that it does not come as a surprise to them and so that questions do not arise at the border,
 Smadiyarov stated.

He noted that Kazakhstan is currently reviewing the situation with relevant agencies, and possible reciprocal measures are under discussion. Further details will be announced later.

Smadiyarov also dismissed speculation about the introduction of visas between the two countries.

Some media outlets are writing that Russia is allegedly introducing a visa regime. This is not true. There is a visa-free regime between our countries, and it remains in effect. The new rules are just technical requirements for crossing the border that many countries have. 

He added that Kazakhstan also collects biometric data upon entry and urged the media not to exaggerate or mislead the public with alarming headlines.

Original Author: Artyom Volkov