Ein Gesetzentwurf über das Verfahren für die Einreise nach Russland für ausländische Besucher der FIFA WM 2018 wurde genehmigt

According to the Interfax news agency, the State Duma adopted in first reading a draft law regulating the entry to Russia for foreign visitors of 2018 FIFA World Cup. According to the adopted bill, a visa-free entry to the country will be allowed only for fans, for other participants of the event a simplified and free visa processing procedure will be introduced.

The current law stipulates a visa-free entry to Russia for 2018 FIFA World Cup official foreign participants, athletes, referees and coaches included in the FIFA list. However, according to the Deputy Minister of Sport of the Russian Federation Natalia Parshikova, now FIFA agreed to introduce a visa regime for all categories of participants except fans.

In accordance with the adopted draft law, all participants of the championship, national football organizations, participants of the Organizing Committee “Russia 2018”, team members, as well as all individuals and legal entities included in the FIFA list will be required to obtain a Russian visa to enter the country. These visas will be issued by diplomatic representatives and consular departments of the Russian Federation upon request of the Organizing Committee “Russia – 2018” without consular fees and within 3 working days from the date of submission of the documents. It is reported that such a procedure will exist until October 31, 2018.

According to Natalia Parshikova, a visa-free entry to the country will be possible only for World Cup fans who, however, will be required to get a so-called Fan-ID similar to that used during the Olympic Games in Sochi. These ID cards will be issued to fans together with tickets available only on the FIFA website. When buying tickets, foreigners will have to provide additional personal information (passport details and date of birth) necessary for registration of Fan-ID. Credit card information and signature of citizen will not be requested. It is planned that issuance of Fan-ID cards will be committed to The Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications of the Russian Federation.

As noted N. Parshikova, the amendments on the introduction of Fan-ID are planned to be made within a month and applied during the Confederation Cup.