Normally visitors have seven business days to register their stay in Russia.
However a special decree was signed on 12 May 2018 which shortens this period to three calendar days during the World Cup affecting all the 11 cities that host the football matches.
The registry offices will be working 7 days a week, urging you to disregard the normal working hours.
Those are special measures set and signed by the president of the Russian Federation and only affect the period from 25 of May to 25 July.
Where you can register
During this period a foreign visitor can apply for registration only at the Directorate for Migration Affairs which is a local branch of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Here is the list of local directorates
What documents you need
- Bring your passport and its copy
- The migration card. This one you receive at the airport first time you go through passport control and you should keep it throughout your journey
- And the copy of your visa or the FAN ID.
If you are staying at a hotel, normally, you are registered by the reception staff.
Be it a hotel or a private accommodation like Airbnb, your host is required to submit the documents on their behalf.
Here is the blank document you can download for you and your host.
Since it's only available in Russian and has two sections for the resident and the hosting party, it presumes that the host will give you a hand if not fill it all.
According to the travelling websites, it's often a case by case basis.
Smartraveller suggests checking it with the owner if they are aware of this and can do the registration.
Good news
Unless you are staying longer than 3 calendar days in one place, no registration is needed.
Although the process might seem daunting, it is a simpler than what it sounds.
Enjoy your stay!
