Do I need to register my visa?

All foreign citizens arriving in Russia must register their visas within 24 hours upon your arrival (excluding weekends and official holidays). An unregistered visa can cause problems and delays with even the most common tasks that require a passport as identification and may oblige you to pay fines to or be held by the police (milizia). Proof of visa registration is the rectangular stamp in your passport or Migration Card indicating:

• the period of validity and date of registration;
• registration number, name of registering authority, and signature of executing officer.

Visa registration procedures and requirements can differ in each city and region of Russia. Please see Registration of Visas in Russia.