Russia Implements 24-Hour Mobile Internet Block for Foreign SIM Cards

The Russian Federation has implemented a new regulation that imposes a mandatory 24-hour mobile internet and SMS blackout for foreign SIM cards upon their initial connection to a Russian network. The measure, which officially took effect on October 6, 2025, is justified by authorities as a necessary step for national security and anti-drone measures.

This new rule means that individuals entering Russia with foreign SIM cards will experience a temporary loss of mobile data and text messaging services for a full day. While voice calls are generally expected to remain functional, the restriction is designed to prevent the use of foreign mobile networks for controlling unmanned aerial vehicles.

Implementation Details and Scope

The 24-hour blackout is automatically triggered when a foreign SIM card first connects to a Russian mobile network. According to reports, the restriction can reset if a user crosses a regional border or switches to a different network, potentially leading to unstable connectivity for travelers moving within Russia. Furthermore, if a SIM card remains inactive for three days after the initial 24-hour block, the restriction will be re-triggered.

Neighboring countries, such as Belarus and Kazakhstan, have already issued warnings to their citizens traveling to Russia, informing them that roaming services, including mobile internet and SMS, will be unavailable for the first 24 hours after connecting to a Russian network.

Official Justifications and Broader Context

Russian officials have cited 'security concerns' and 'drone threats' as the primary reasons for this new policy. A proposal in August 2025 outlined a 'cooling-off period' for foreign SIM cards, explicitly stating its necessity to prevent drones from being controlled via foreign mobile networks. The duration of such blackouts was suggested to be based on 'the average flight time of drones crossing the border.'

This measure is part of a broader trend of increased digital control and internet disruptions within Russia. Since May 2025, regional authorities have frequently cut mobile internet access, often citing the need to counter Ukrainian drones. Digital rights groups, however, have suggested that many of these shutdowns appear arbitrary and may serve as a pretext to restrict access to information.

Impact on Foreigners and Related Regulations

The new internet block is expected to cause significant inconvenience for international travelers, expatriates, and cross-border businesses. Users may find themselves unable to access essential services like mobile banking or authentication processes that rely on SMS verification. Travelers are advised to plan for this disruption and rely on Wi-Fi connections where available.

This temporary internet block complements other stringent regulations introduced earlier in 2025 regarding SIM card acquisition for foreigners:

• Since January 1, 2025, foreigners wishing to purchase a new Russian SIM card must register with the Unified Biometric System (UBS).
• Foreigners who obtained Russian SIM cards before this date were required to re-register their biometrics by July 1, 2025, to avoid service disconnection.
• The process for obtaining a local SIM card now involves multiple bureaucratic steps, including acquiring a SNILS (pension insurance certificate), having an active Gosuslugi account, providing biometric identification, and submitting the phone's IMEI number. This complex procedure can take several days, making it impractical for short-term visitors.
• Foreign nationals are also limited to registering a maximum of 10 SIM cards.

While the Russian government has not publicly commented on the 24-hour blackout specifically, the Belarusian Communications and Informatization Ministry confirmed the measure, stating it is 'mandatory and intended to safeguard the national security of Russia and its citizens.'