The Consular Section of the Russian Embassy in Germany has rejected reports claiming that Russia plans to introduce “exit visas” for its citizens travelling abroad. It also said that claims about a requirement to travel to so-called unfriendly states in groups of at least ten people are untrue. For travellers connected with Russia through family, children or property, it is important to distinguish these reports from Russia’s separate rules on entry visas, border documents and migration procedures for foreign nationals.

What the official clarification says

The clarification concerns Russian citizens preparing to leave Russia. According to the Consular Section, reports of planned exit visas do not correspond to reality. No new requirement described in those reports has been introduced.

The same applies to the alleged rule requiring travel to unfriendly countries in groups of ten or more people. Russian citizens should not arrange a group solely because of these reports, and they should not seek additional documents described as an “exit visa” on that basis.

Who is affected — and who is not

This announcement is relevant to Russian nationals who are planning an overseas trip and have encountered online claims about new restrictions on departure. The source recalls that the right to leave Russia is established by Article 27, Part 2 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.

The clarification does not establish rules for foreign nationals entering Russia. A foreign visitor’s Russian visa, electronic visa eligibility, invitation, border documents and post-arrival registration remain separate matters. Do not treat this news as confirmation that entry requirements for foreigners have changed.

Departure from Russia and entry into Russia are different processes

Before leaving Russia, a Russian citizen should rely on official information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation (MFA Russia) when checking departure conditions. Possible restrictions on leaving the country are regulated by Federal Law No. 114-FZ, as noted in the official clarification.

Before travelling to Russia, a foreign national should check the entry rules that apply to their own citizenship and place of application. Where the applicable visa category, submission method, processing period, fee or eligibility for an electronic visa is not specified, these details must be confirmed with MFA Russia, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD), or the relevant Russian consulate.

What to verify before travel

Russian citizens should not rely on social-media posts or unofficial publications that claim exit visas or mandatory groups are now required. The official source does not announce a transition period, deadlines, fees, application forms or consequences because the reported requirements were denied.

Foreign travellers should separately confirm the documents needed for their trip to Russia before departure. If a visa or invitation is required in their case, the competent Russian consulate can confirm the applicable procedure. After arrival, foreign nationals should also check whether they must complete migration registration with the responsible authority or through their host; this clarification does not change those procedures.

Что проверить

  • Do not treat reports of Russian “exit visas” as a confirmed rule.
  • Do not assume that Russian citizens must travel to unfriendly countries in groups of ten or more.
  • For a Russian citizen’s departure questions, check official MFA Russia information.
  • Remember that this clarification concerns Russian citizens leaving Russia, not foreigners entering it.
  • Before applying for a Russian visa, confirm requirements based on citizenship and country of application with MFA Russia or the relevant Russian consulate.
  • Check separately which entry documents and post-arrival migration registration rules apply to a foreign visitor.