The Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation has received a proposal to simplify the process of obtaining SIM cards for foreigners

The Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation has received a proposal from Russian telecom operators to simplify the procedure for obtaining SIM cards for foreign citizens.

According to market participants, mobile companies are currently losing roaming revenue, as most visitors rely on free Wi-Fi and do not purchase local SIM cards. The main reason is the excessively complicated registration process: a foreigner must submit biometric data, register on the Gosuslugi portal, and obtain a SNILS number, which can take from several hours to several days, Kommersant reports.

The operators propose to abolish mandatory biometrics and introduce a limited validity period for SIM cards specifically designed for tourists. According to estimates, if the rules are simplified, about half of travelers will start using mobile communication services in Russia, which could bring the industry up to 1.5 billion rubles annually.

The Ministry of Digital Development confirmed that it is discussing the initiative with telecom operators and considering various options, although no specific decisions have yet been made.

According to the FSB of Russia, more than 629,000 foreigners visited Russia for tourism purposes in the first six months of 2025 — 7.6% more than in the same period last year.