Russia has recently officially implemented new communication management rules for roaming users with foreign SIM cards. Whether users use eSIM or physical SIM cards, they must go through a 24-hour “internet and SMS block” period after entering the country. This means that after an overseas phone card connects to a signal for the first time in Russia, mobile data and SMS sending/receiving will not be available on the first day, with only basic call functions retained. This has a significant impact on the communication of people traveling to or on business in Russia.
Analysis of Core Provisions of the New Rules
- Implementation Date: The policy officially took effect on October 6th.
- Trigger Method: Once a foreign SIM card connects to Russia’s mobile network, the system will automatically initiate a 24-hour blocking process without manual intervention.
- Scope of Restrictions: During the blocking period, mobile data services and SMS sending/receiving functions are completely suspended, with only voice call permissions retained, which does not affect basic call communication.
- Unlocking and Re-blocking Rules: The system will automatically lift the restrictions after the 24-hour blocking period expires, restoring normal communication functions. However, it should be noted that if the SIM card has no active operations (including no calls made, no internet used, etc.) within 3 days after unlocking, the 24-hour blocking will be triggered again.
- Policy Basis: The Russian government has clearly stated that this new rule is aimed at safeguarding “national security” and preventing “abuse of roaming communication services”.
Practical Impacts on Personnel Traveling to Russia
Previously, most people traveling to Russia relied on their home country’s mobile roaming services or foreign eSIM cards to ensure communication. After the implementation of the new rules, the initial communication restrictions upon entry will bring multiple inconveniences:
- Travel Disruption: Unable to use online map navigation, ride-hailing apps, or check real-time transportation routes, which has a particularly obvious impact on tourists unfamiliar with the local environment.
- Restrictions on Administrative Matters: Operations requiring SMS verification codes, such as bank transfers, app logins, and account verification, cannot be completed, affecting fund usage and access to online services.
- Work Delays: Business travelers who rely on the internet to work will face the difficulty of being unable to handle online tasks or coordinate work on the first day of entry.
Although this 24-hour “mandatory cooling-off period” is an official risk-filtering measure, it has objectively disrupted the normal communication needs of ordinary users.
Practical Response Suggestions and Preparation Plans
(I) Prioritize Configuring a Local Communication Card
- Card Type Selection and Application: Russia’s major operators (MTC, Beeline, Megafon, and Tele2) all offer packages suitable for short-term use. You can choose between a physical SIM card or an eSIM based on your itinerary. eSIM does not require a physical card and can be activated online, making it more convenient for users with compatible devices such as iPhones.
- Package Selection Tips: Note that “unlimited data” packages usually have a high-speed data threshold (e.g., a certain MTC package includes 100GB of high-speed data, after which the speed will be limited). You can choose according to your usage needs: users with heavy internet usage can select high-data packages, while users with basic communication needs can opt for more cost-effective entry-level packages. If international calls are required, some of Beeline’s packages support free calls to overseas sub-accounts, which are highly practical.
- Required Materials for Application: Be sure to bring your passport and migration card (commonly known as the “white slip”), which are legal documents required for applying for a local card.
- Application Channels and Precautions: Physical SIM cards or eSIM services can be applied for at airport terminals and urban business halls. Operator stores usually open from 10:00 to 22:00. It is recommended to check the nearest store in advance via Yandex Maps. After application, insert the card into your phone on the spot to test the network and call functions, and ask the staff to help download the operator’s APP to facilitate subsequent data query and payment.
(II) Communication Emergency Measures After Entry
- Keep the Device Active: Turn on your phone immediately after entering the country and keep the foreign SIM card active by making calls or other operations to ensure smooth unlocking after 24 hours and reduce the risk of re-blocking later.
- Make Good Use of Public Wi-Fi: Public places such as hotels, coffee shops, and shopping malls usually provide free Wi-Fi, which can be used as a supplementary emergency communication method during the internet block period to meet basic query and contact needs.
(III) Make Offline Preparations in Advance
- Tool Download: Install offline maps (such as Google Maps offline packages and Yandex Maps offline areas) and offline translation apps before departure to ensure navigation and communication even without an internet connection.
- Information Storage: Save key information such as hotel addresses, scenic spot routes, and contact phone numbers in advance, and take screenshots or record them in a notepad for backup.
- Schedule Operation Time: Avoid arranging operations that require verification codes on the day of entry, such as hotel bookings, bank card binding, and itinerary modifications, to prevent operation failures due to inability to receive messages.
(IV) Pay Attention to Details of Using Local Cards
- Confirm that your phone supports Russia’s network frequency bands to avoid being unable to use the card due to device compatibility issues.
- Understand the validity period of the package (mostly calculated by calendar days). For short trips, you can choose daily billing packages to avoid waste.
- If traveling to remote areas such as Lake Baikal, prioritize choosing Megafon, which has the widest network coverage; in major cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, MTC and Beeline both provide reliable signal quality.
Summary
Although Russia’s new communication rules are security-oriented, they have indeed brought communication challenges to people traveling to Russia for short periods. For those planning to travel to Russia, the core response strategy is “advance preparation + dual-card protection” — not only to properly apply for a local communication card to completely avoid restrictions, but also to make offline preparations and emergency plans. In particular, it should be noted that since July 2025, Russia has implemented a biometric registration policy for foreign nationals’ phone cards. Although temporary packages applied for by short-term tourists are not yet affected by this policy, those staying for a long time need to complete the registration in accordance with requirements. Making adequate communication preparations can help avoid situations where your phone “becomes a brick” after entry and ensure the smooth progress of your itinerary and work arrangements.