AZE.US
Foreign nationals traveling to Russia for employment, study or long-term residence must now complete a mandatory medical examination within 30 calendar days of entry.
Refusal or failure to comply may result in a fine of up to 50,000 rubles and possible deportation.
The new rules, which took effect on September 1, 2026, are particularly relevant to Azerbaijani citizens planning to work, study or remain in Russia for more than 90 days.
Previously, some categories of foreign nationals had up to 90 days to complete the examination. The deadline has now been standardized at 30 days under Federal Law No. 162-FZ.
Who Must Complete the Examination?
The medical screening requirement applies to foreign nationals who:
- Enter Russia for employment;
- Enroll in educational institutions;
- Apply for temporary residence;
- Apply for permanent residence;
- Obtain or renew a work permit or employment patent;
- Enter for another purpose but intend to remain for more than 90 days.
Tourists and private visitors staying for up to 90 days without working are generally not subject to this requirement.
Those entering Russia for employment must complete the screening required for obtaining a work permit or patent.
What Will Be Tested?
The examination may be conducted only by medical institutions authorized by the Russian authorities. A certificate obtained from an unauthorized private clinic may not be accepted.
Foreign nationals will be tested for:
- HIV;
- Tuberculosis;
- Syphilis;
- Leprosy and other dangerous infectious diseases;
- Use of narcotic or psychotropic substances without a prescription;
- Use of potentially dangerous psychoactive substances.
The foreign national must pay for the procedure, although an employer or contractor may cover the expense.
Figures cited by Azerbaijani television indicate that the examination may cost between 4,500 and 6,000 rubles – approximately 88-117 manats ($52-$69). The exact cost varies by region and authorized medical facility.
Fine Reaches Nearly 1,000 Manats
Foreign nationals who refuse or evade the mandatory examination face a fine of between 25,000 and 50,000 rubles.
At the official exchange rate on September 2, this is approximately 490-980 manats ($288-$576).
A court may also order the individual’s administrative removal from Russia. The penalties are established under the new Article 18.11.1 of Russia’s Code of Administrative Offenses, according to a legal summary published by ConsultantPlus.
If the fine is not paid on time, it may be doubled and deportation may become mandatory.
Results Will Be Sent Directly to Authorities
Medical facilities will issue electronic certificates after the examination and upload them to Russia’s Unified State Health Information System within 24 hours.
The information will then be transferred to the Interior Ministry and the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, known as Rospotrebnadzor.
Foreign nationals may request a paper copy of the results, but the electronic record will be transmitted automatically.
If a dangerous infectious disease or unauthorized drug use is detected, the relevant information will be forwarded to the authorities for action under Russian migration and public health laws.
Russia has also introduced criminal penalties for producing or distributing forged medical certificates. The maximum punishment can reach eight years in prison and a fine of up to 3 million rubles.
Azerbaijani Travelers Must Also Use RuID
Azerbaijani citizens entering Russia without a visa must also comply with the country’s electronic pre-registration rules.
An entry application must be submitted through the Gosuslugi RuID mobile application no later than 72 hours before crossing the Russian border. Applications may be filed up to 90 days before the planned trip.
Travelers are asked to provide:
- The purpose of the visit;
- Expected entry and departure dates;
- Regions they plan to visit;
- Passport information;
- Details of children traveling with them.
For emergency medical treatment or travel related to the serious illness or death of a close relative, the application may be filed up to four hours before entry if supporting documentation is available. Instructions are published on Russia’s Gosuslugi government services portal.
Azerbaijani citizens traveling to Russia for work or long-term residence should therefore complete two separate steps: submit their electronic entry application in advance and undergo the mandatory medical examination within 30 days of arrival.
AZE.US