Foreign citizens in Russia have started receiving notifications from mobile operators about the need to submit biometric data and register the IMEI of their phones by July 1, 2025. This is due to the new requirements of the law "On Communications", which came into force on January 1, 2025.
Screenshots with relevant SMS messages are circulating on social networks. They state that, according to the requirements of the law "On Communications", foreigners need to visit a mobile operator's store to enter information about the IMEI of the device into the contract and undergo a biometrics check.
According to the amendments, the purchase of SIM cards by foreigners is now possible only with a personal visit to the operator's office with mandatory registration in the Unified Biometric System. In addition, when drawing up a contract, it is required to indicate the IMEI code of the device so that the SIM card can only be used with a registered phone. No more than ten numbers can be registered per person.
For foreign citizens who received SIM cards before January 1, 2025, there is a transition period until July 1, 2025. If they do not re-register within the specified period, operators will be forced to block their numbers.
Read more on the topic:
Russians will be able to check SIM cards registered in their name on "Gosuslugi"
Foreigners will be able to buy a SIM card in Russia only with biometrics
When entering Russia, all foreigners will have to submit biometrics from June 30
