Russian Migration Card

The Russian migration card is a mandatory document issued to foreign nationals upon entry into the Russian Federation. It serves as official proof that you have crossed the border legally and tracks your duration of stay.

The card is issued free of charge and consists of two identical parts: an 'A' section (Arrival) and a 'B' section (Departure). Border control officers typically retain the Arrival section, while you must keep the Departure section with your passport throughout your visit.

Migration cards are distributed free of charge before or during passport control. Depending on your point of entry, the card may be provided by airline crew, transport staff, or directly at the border checkpoint.

At many major international airports, the border control officer will automatically print the completed migration card for you. If you are required to fill it out manually, you must use ink and write clearly. Ensure that all information exactly matches the details in your passport and visa.

Important details to verify include your full name, date of birth, passport number, visa number, and the stated purpose of your visit. Any discrepancies between your migration card, visa, and passport can cause issues during registration or departure.

Upon arriving at your destination in Russia, you must be registered with the local authorities. The migration card is a mandatory requirement for this process.

If you are staying at a hotel, the hotel staff will typically handle your registration within one working day. They will ask for your passport, visa, and migration card to complete the necessary paperwork.

For those staying in private accommodation, the host or receiving party is generally responsible for handling the registration. Official consular guidance commonly states a deadline of seven working days for this process, though exceptions can apply. Always confirm the current registration rules with your accommodation provider.

Losing your migration card can complicate your stay and departure, but there is an official procedure to replace it.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must report it to the territorial office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs within three days. After verifying your passport and entry details, they will issue a duplicate migration card free of charge.

Do not wait until your departure to report a lost card, as arriving at border control without it may result in fines, delays, or administrative penalties.

When leaving the Russian Federation, you must present the 'B' (Departure) section of your migration card to the border control officer along with your passport.

The officer will collect the card to officially record your exit from the country. Ensure you have the card readily accessible as you approach passport control to avoid holding up the line.

Before traveling to the airport or border, check that the name, passport number and entry date on the card remain legible. Keep any registration confirmations with the card. If the document is missing or damaged, address the problem with the territorial migration authority before departure rather than relying on extra time at passport control.

When an entry point creates the migration record electronically or prints the card automatically, the process may look different from a manually completed form. Follow the instructions given by the border officer and accommodation provider, and do not assume that a screenshot or photocopy replaces an original paper document when one was issued.