Migration Agency advises Uzbek travelers on new Russian border search regulations

These measures are rooted in recent amendments to the Law of the Russian Federation "On the State Border." According to the agency’s press service, border service officials may conduct a visual inspection of the content stored on electronic media or request the devices for a more thorough check as part of established legal protocols.

The Migration Agency clarified that such inspections are not universal but are typically initiated when there are specific suspicions of illegal activity or when deemed necessary for national security. The primary objectives of these tightened regulations are to combat terrorism, extremism, and illegal migration.

Travelers should be aware that non-compliance with the requests of border officials carries significant legal consequences. Refusing to provide a device for inspection can result in a fine ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 rubles or administrative arrest for a period of up to 15 days.

In response, the Agency for External Labor Migration has urged citizens to be mindful of the data and materials stored on their personal devices when planning trips to or through Russia.