The 2018 FIFA World Cup begins in just a few weeks and if you are planning to travel to Russia, you should be aware of the Russian Immigration Policy.

According to the Russian Presidential Decree No. 202 RF of special aspects to implement enhanced security measures during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a very strict migration registration procedure for foreign citizens will be introduced in the cities of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi, Volgograd, Ekaterinburg, Kazan, Kaliningrad, Nizhniy Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Samara and Saransk during the period from May 25 through July 25, 2018.

The above mentioned decree sets forth the registration of foreign citizens at the place of stay (or registration at the place of residence) in the above-mentioned cities during this period, must be handled by the Ministry of the Interior of Russia or by the Multifunctional Center for the Provision of Public Services of the city, within three calendar days of the foreign citizen’s arrival date at the place of stay (or place of residence). Migration registration cannot be done by sending documents via postal services.

Please note that foreign citizens who entered Russia before May 25 and who are not registered at the place of stay, must be registered no later than May 25.

If you want to travel to Russia or have foreign personnel in charge in that country, we recommend that you perform the following steps as soon as possible (in the coming days):

• Ensure that all of your foreign employees and their family members, and other persons invited by your organization get migration registration.
• Make sure in advance that the Ministry of the Interior of Russia office for your district has all the necessary documents about your organization (otherwise the request will be rejected)

The requirements of this decree do not apply to the foreign citizens participating in the FIFA World Cup, representatives of FIFA, FIFA affiliates, confederations and national football associations included in the FIFA list, or citizens whose stay in Russia is subject to the rules established by an international treaty of the Russian Federation (i.e., to members of international organizations, members of official delegations, employees of foreign embassies or consulates).

The Immigration Law Practice of Dentons Muñoz offers legal advice relating to:

• Advisory regarding the immigration status of you, and your family members for the 2018 FIFA World Cup
• Legal opinions: in reference to immigration topics.
• Guide and support in all the previous and subsequent procedures, needed to obtain a legal status for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.