Russia introduces fingerprinting in visa process

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Russia will soon begin requiring visa applicants at consular posts in five countries to undergo fingerprinting. Fingerprinting will also be implemented for visa applicants at Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport.

What does the change mean? People applying for Russian visas in Denmark, Ireland, Myanmar, Namibia, the U.K., or at Vnukovo International Airport should allow extra time to account for fingerprinting.

• Implementation timeframe: Dec. 10.
• Visas/permits affected: All visas.
• Who is affected: People applying for any type of Russian visa in Denmark, Ireland, Myanmar, Namibia, the U.K., or at Vnukovo International Airport.
• Impact on processing times: The introduction of fingerprinting may cause slight delays in visa processing times.
• Business impact: The impact on immigration procedures, including the impact on obtaining a business visa, is expected to be minimal; however, fingerprinting does add another requirement for visa applicants in one of the five countries or at the airport.
• Next steps: Russian officials have said they will eventually introduce fingerprinting at all consular posts, but no timetable has been set.

Background: The fingerprinting requirement came about as a result of an order signed by President Vladimir Putin. Putin’s order is a first step in a government program, announced in February, to require fingerprinting at all consular posts.

BAL Analysis: Visa applicants at consular posts that will require fingerprinting or at the airport should expect possible delays and allow sufficient time for the extra process.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Russia. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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