In Russia, the possibility of reinstating exit visas is being discussed.
13-07-2026 16:28 Press of Diaspora
auroranews.am DW columnist Konstantin Egert believes that the Russian government has at least three reasons to return to the Soviet practice of issuing exit visas, and it is a logical decision for Putin.
I again take my old foreign passport, the burgundy cover of which has almost erased the Soviet emblem. On the very first page, after the turn of the page with my 28-year-old photo, is depicted what was a kind of achievement and symbol of success in life for a citizen of the USSR—the exit visa.
The blue stamp states: “Exit until 01.01.1993,” and there is also a seal and signature. I remember very well how the official who placed it told me, “You won’t need it anymore.” And indeed, very little time passed, and the newly independent Russian Federation was freed from yet another Soviet anachronism—the exit from the country became completely free. I remember very well how people rejoiced at the possibility of traveling abroad without visas and permits from the department.
I decided to admire my old document after reading about the Kremlin's intention to return to the practice of issuing exit visas. This news did not surprise me at all. Some commentators among Russian emigrants mocked this information, claiming that the FSB controls border crossings with the help of a computer network, and those whom the authorities do not want to let go will not be let go anyway. It turns out that exit visas are not needed by the Russian regime.
In my opinion, such a step is, on the contrary, completely logical. First, if Putin decides to conduct a universal or even partial mobilization, exit visas will be very necessary for his repressive services to prevent mass flight from Russia, as happened in 2022. Especially to visa-free countries. For this, they will have to cancel the exit to countries like Armenia and Kazakhstan “with an internal passport.” If Moscow takes any steps in this direction, it will become the most reliable sign of the upcoming mobilization.
* This text was automatically translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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