New Identification Rules Discourage Foreign Tourists from Purchasing Russian SIM Cards

According to a report from RBC, Russian mobile operators have observed that very few foreign tourists are opting to purchase local SIM cards due to new identification regulations, which have made the process overly complicated.

The updated rules, implemented earlier this year, require visitors who wish to acquire a Russian phone number to register on a government services platform, obtain a local equivalent of a U.S. Social Security number, provide biometric data at a bank, and physically sign a contract at a mobile service store.

Since July, foreigners intending to buy Russian SIM cards and mobile plans have been mandated to register with the Unified Biometric System (UBS), a government-operated database for collecting biometric information.

Officials indicate that this regulation, which prohibits the transfer of SIM cards or phone numbers to anyone except close relatives, is designed to combat fraud, spam, and the circumvention of communication blocks using anonymously rented SIM cards.

“It’s nearly impossible without some knowledge of Russian or assistance from a local,” stated Andrei Rego, vice president of MTS, during a telecommunications forum in Moscow.

Rego mentioned that one-third of foreigners who initiate the process abandon it before completion, while many never even attempt it.

He reported a significant decline in foreign users on Russian networks this year, dropping to fewer than 3 million, with tourists now representing less than 1% of new SIM card purchases, a decrease from 20% in 2024.

MTS has suggested a potential solution allowing tourists to pre-register using the ruID app prior to their arrival in Russia.

This approach would enable tourists to acquire a two-week Russian SIM card upon arrival after uploading scans of their passports, photographs, and voice samples, with the data automatically verified at border control.

However, long-term visitors would still be required to go through the complete verification procedure.

The Ministry of Digital Development in Russia has yet to respond to MTS’s proposal.