Camilla Jessen
Foreigners lose mobile data in Russia as new restrictions take effect.
Foreign visitors and residents across Russia are reporting widespread mobile internet outages after authorities began blocking data access on foreign SIM cards.
Sudden shutdown
On October 6, mobile internet on foreign SIM cards stopped working across Russia, with users flooding social media and chat groups to report the disruption.
The travel community “Well, People, Let’s Go!” was among the first to notice mass complaints from travelers and expatriates.
Affected all operators
According to reports, the outages affect all operators — including those in neighboring CIS countries — and apply to both physical SIMs and eSIMs.
Voice calls and SMS still function, but mobile data has been cut off.
From border issue to national policy
Technology outlet Mobile Review reported that foreign SIM restrictions began earlier in October, initially targeting border regions near Ukraine.
Now, the issue has spread nationwide.
Confirmed by telecom providers
Telecom company Unisim confirmed the widespread outages to Rozetked, explaining that the move is part of a government-enforced “cooling-off period” for foreign SIM cards.
Officials claim the measure is meant to reduce security risks tied to drone operations and remote communications.
Belarusian operators warn their customers
Belarusian mobile operators MTS and A1 issued statements on October 6 warning that Russian authorities were blocking both internet and SMS on foreign SIM cards.
The notice explained that once a foreign number registers on a Russian network, a 24-hour restriction is automatically imposed.
Automatic blocking
If a SIM card remains inactive for more than three days, the block is reinstated.
During the restriction period, users can still make and receive calls, but all other data services are unavailable.
Operators say the system is automated and not applied manually.
“Cooling-off period” announced in August
Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development first mentioned plans for a temporary suspension period for foreign SIM cards back in August.
Officials said it would last around five hours after entry into the country, aimed at verifying numbers for security purposes.
However, no public update was made when the measure expanded nationwide.
Growing difficulties for foreign visitors
Obtaining a Russian SIM card has become a lengthy process for foreigners, often requiring biometric registration, a local address, and verification via the Gosuslugi digital portal.
The process can take up to a week.
Hotels and Wi-Fi networks also affected
According to Mobile Review, Russia’s new communication restrictions go beyond mobile networks.
Authorities have also begun blocking robocalls and certain Wi-Fi-based connections in hotels, further tightening control over digital activity.
This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, which may have used AI in the preparation
