For many foreign visitors arriving in Russia, the first 24 hours turn into a communications blackout. Roaming services are automatically blocked, and obtaining a Russian SIM card has become an unexpectedly complex process — one that even local telecom operators say needs urgent reform.
According to Russian media, several mobile operators have already appealed to the Ministry of Digital Development (MinTsifry), asking the government to simplify the procedure for issuing SIM cards to foreigners. Travel companies confirm that the connectivity problem is real and widespread among inbound tourists.
The stricter rules were introduced in 2024, shortly after the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall near Moscow. Under the new regulations, foreigners can no longer buy SIM cards directly at airports or retail stores. Instead, they must now:
visit a bank and submit biometric data,
register on the Gosuslugi (State Services) digital platform,
and obtain a SNILS (personal insurance number).
This bureaucratic process can take several days — leaving tourists effectively cut off from mobile networks during their first days in the country.
Without roaming, most foreign visitors can make phone calls but cannot send text messages, meaning they are unable to inform family members that they have arrived safely. Calls are significantly more expensive, and logging into local Wi-Fi networks is also difficult since registration often requires SMS verification, which foreign SIM cards cannot receive.
The situation has created additional obstacles for Chinese tourists, in particular. Many Chinese banks automatically flag ATM withdrawals abroad as suspicious, requiring SMS confirmation from the cardholder. Without roaming, travelers cannot verify the transaction — and are left without cash just as they arrive.
According to telecom sources, the issue is now being reviewed by Russian authorities, but no timeline has been set for a solution.
