Russia Imposes Strict New Port Entry Rules for Foreign Vessels

New Regulations Take Effect

The Russian Federation has introduced stringent new regulations governing the entry of foreign vessels into its ports, a move that mandates prior clearance from the Federal Security Service (FSB) and potential underwater inspections. These measures, which came into full effect on November 25, 2025, are poised to significantly impact international shipping operations, leading to potential delays and increased costs.

A presidential decree signed by President Vladimir Putin on July 22, 2025, initially expanded the requirement for FSB approval to all foreign vessels arriving from international waters. Previously, such clearance was only necessary for ships calling at ports located near Russian naval bases.

Enhanced Security Protocols

Under the updated procedures, port captains are now obligated to notify the FSB within one hour of receiving a request for entry from a foreign vessel. This notification must include details of the vessel's 10 most recent ports of call. The FSB then has a window of 48 hours to either authorize or deny entry.

Adding another layer of scrutiny, a government decree reported on December 2, 2025, further requires port operators to conduct underwater inspections of foreign ships. These inspections are designed to detect explosive devices or other suspicious items. The FSB reserves the right to mandate such inspections as part of the entry process. These checks must be performed by divers and specialized equipment, with the cost of these procedures to be reimbursed by the shipowners. The average cost for an underwater inspection is approximately 300,000 rubles ($3,900), though some ports have reportedly increased prices to as much as 1 million rubles ($12,900).

Rationale and Anticipated Impact

While the Kremlin has not provided an explicit public justification for the new rules, the presidential decree references a constitutional provision related to military conditions, likely alluding to ongoing martial law in regions bordering Ukraine. The implementation of these stringent controls follows a series of unexplained explosions targeting tankers involved in Russian trade, including incidents at the Ust-Luga energy hub and other maritime locations. Maritime security experts have speculated that these incidents may be part of a covert sabotage campaign.

The new regulations are expected to create significant operational challenges for the shipping industry. The American Club, a prominent maritime insurer, has warned clients that a full clearance cycle, excluding any underwater inspection, could extend up to 53 hours. This extended timeline, coupled with the potential for costly inspections and even refusal of entry, is anticipated to cause considerable delays, increase operational expenses, and introduce uncertainties into voyage planning and delivery schedules. Concerns have also been raised regarding the availability of divers and equipment, particularly in regions like the Far East, and the feasibility of these operations during winter navigation. Furthermore, insurance rates for vessels operating in the Black Sea have already seen a sharp increase.