Digital passport in Russian hotels: how registration will work from September 1

What changed in registration rules?

On 1 September 2026, decree No 674 came into force, requiring hotels with more than fifty rooms to accept guest information supplied as a digital identity card. The document is created in the MAX messenger and linked to official data from the State Services portal. For children, the digital profile includes details from the birth certificate.

How the digital ID works

1. Creating a profile – the smartphone owner opens the MAX app, goes to “Profile” → “Digital ID” and links it to State Services. Identity verification needs biometrics – face recognition or fingerprint.
2. Sending the data – after linking, the system stores a set of passport data (for adults) and children’s details. The hotel can receive these data on request.
3. Checking in at the hotel – on arrival the guest shows a QR code or another identifier from the app. Staff verify the information in the system and complete the process without paper documents.

Note: usage is completely voluntary. Traditional documents – internal passport, foreign passport, driver’s licence – are still accepted at the front desk.

Who needs to change their approach and when

• Large hotels (50+ rooms) – must implement digital intake already on 1 September 2026.
• Small properties (up to 50 rooms) – the switch is postponed until 1 September 2028, giving them two years to prepare.

Current readiness level

As of mid‑August 2026, almost 24 000 hotels across Russia can already accept a digital ID. On 14 August the service was active in 70 regions and more than 800 accommodation sites. In Krasnodar Krai, by early September the option was offered by 157 hotels, of which 136 fall under the mandatory requirement.

Practical experience

A journalist from iPhones.ru tested the system at the Radisson Blu Olympic Hotel in Moscow. Arriving without a paper passport, he used only his smartphone with a set‑up digital ID and was able to check in successfully. This case shows the technology is ready for mass use.

What this means for travelers

• Convenience – no need to dig for a paper passport; just open the app and show the QR code.
• Speed – registration time shrinks, especially during peak hours when the front‑desk line can stretch.
• Security – biometric linking reduces the risk of forged documents, and data transfer occurs over a protected channel.
• Flexibility – if a guest prefers the traditional way, the hotel still accepts ordinary documents.

Things to check before you go

1. Prepare your smartphone – make sure the device supports biometrics and the MAX app is installed.
2. Create the digital profile in advance – linking to State Services can take a while, so do it a few days before departure.
3. Confirm the hotel’s compatibility – large chains are already connected, but smaller places may not have digital ID support until 2028.
4. Carry a backup document – in case of technical glitches or lack of network access, a traditional passport is always useful.

Development outlook

The current rollout covers only a part of the industry, yet nearly 24 000 hotels can already work with a digital identity. As coverage expands and travelers become more digitally literate, usage of the service is expected to grow. Lawmakers may later consider making digital ID mandatory in other service sectors, which would make interactions with the state more seamless.

Bottom line for tourists

From 1 September 2026, large Russian hotels will start accepting a digital ID through the MAX messenger, offering an alternative to a paper passport. The technology has been tested in real conditions, works in most regions and promises faster check‑in. Travelers should ready their smartphone and set up a profile ahead of time, but keep traditional documents handy for any unforeseen issues.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru, atorus.ru.