The Russian migration card: what it is and why you must keep it
Short answer
The migration card (миграционная карта) is a small paper form every foreign visitor fills in when entering Russia. One half is stamped and kept by the border officer; you keep the other half. You must hold on to your half for the entire stay and present it again when you leave — and it is needed for hotel/registration. If you lose it, replace it at a local migration office (GUVM/MVD) as soon as possible; turning up at the border without it can cause delays.
What the migration card is
The migration card is a simple double-part paper slip recording your identity, purpose of visit and intended stay. At many airports it is issued and stamped automatically at passport control; at some crossings you may fill it in by hand. It is not a visa and not the same as registration — it is the record that you entered the country legally.
Why you must keep it
- Your hotel needs it to register your stay.
- You must surrender your half when you leave Russia.
- It links to the date your permitted stay is counted from.
- Without it, departure and any official interaction become harder.
Treat it like part of your passport
Keep the migration card tucked inside your passport for the whole trip. Do not throw away the 'used-looking' slip — that is the one you need on exit.
If you lose it
Report a lost or damaged migration card to the local migration authority (the GUVM unit of the MVD) without delay. They can issue a replacement. Doing this early — rather than at the airport on your way out — avoids stress and possible delays at the border.
Frequently asked questions
What is a migration card in Russia?
It is a small paper form every foreign visitor completes on entry, recording identity, purpose of visit and intended stay. You keep one half for your whole stay and surrender it on departure.
Where do I get the migration card?
At the point of entry. At most major airports it is printed and stamped automatically at passport control; at some land crossings you fill it in by hand.
What happens if I lose my migration card?
Report it to the local migration office (GUVM/MVD) as soon as possible to get a replacement. Arriving at the border to leave without it can cause delays.
RussianVisa.co is an independent guide and not a government body. Russian entry rules change frequently — always confirm the current requirements with the official Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the consulate that serves your country before you book or travel.
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