Russia’s new SIM card registration rules are causing a sharp decline in foreign tourist users, say mobile operators. The process has become difficult, discouraging many visitors from purchasing local SIM cards during their stay.
New Registration Requirements Make SIM Card Purchase Difficult for Tourists
Since July, foreigners wanting a Russian SIM card must register with the government’s Unified Biometric System (UBS). The process involves multiple steps: registering on a government portal, obtaining a local equivalent of a Social Security number, submitting biometric data at a bank, and signing a contract in person at a mobile retail store. This makes buying SIM cards complex and time-consuming for tourists.
The government introduced these rules to fight scams, spam, and misuse of SIM cards rented anonymously. Only close family members can receive SIM cards or phone numbers under the new regulations. However, mobile operators say these rules have made it nearly impossible for tourists without local help or Russian language skills.
Andrei Rego, Vice President of MTS, Russia’s leading telecom provider, said at a Moscow forum, “It’s almost impossible without knowing Russian or having a local helper.” He added that many foreigners start the registration process but abandon it halfway. According to Rego, foreign users on Russian networks have dropped fivefold this year, now under 3 million. Tourists make up less than 1% of new SIM card buyers, down sharply from 20% in 2024.
Proposed Workaround to Simplify Tourist SIM Card Access
MTS has suggested a possible solution to ease the process. The company proposes a pre-registration option through the ruID app before tourists arrive in Russia. Visitors could upload passport scans, photos, and voice samples before entering. Their data would be automatically verified at border checkpoints. This would allow tourists to buy a two-week SIM card on arrival without completing the full biometric process immediately.
Long-term visitors would still need to complete the full verification for extended use. So far, Russia’s Digital Development Ministry has not responded to the proposal.
This situation highlights the balance Russia seeks between security and convenience for tourists using mobile networks.
