Russia mandates ‘Amina’ tracking app for foreign visitors to Moscow

The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has implemented a requirement for foreign citizens entering the Moscow region to install the ‘Amina’ mobile application. The app is designed for the digital monitoring of migrants, requiring users to report their residential addresses and any changes in location to internal affairs authorities.

The measure applies to adult foreign citizens traveling for purposes other than work, such as studies, tourism, or visiting relatives. For those traveling for work, the requirement was previously set to become mandatory in September 2025. Authorities noted that in December 2025, over 139,000 individuals were removed from migration records due to a lack of location data provided via the app.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova has issued warnings to Moldovan citizens regarding the risks of using the application. Potential issues include technical errors or data discrepancies that could result in fines, loss of legal status, expulsion, or entry bans into Russia. The Moldovan government also highlighted broader security risks for citizens in Russia, including the possibility of arbitrary detention, interrogation, and the confiscation of electronic devices at borders.