Russia has quietly introduced new restrictions on eSIM activation and roaming behavior—a move that’s already affecting travelers, expats, and anyone relying on Russian mobile services abroad.

According to reports from Business FM, Interfax, and TASS, Russian mobile operators have stopped activating Russian-brand eSIMs outside the country. In addition, the government has rolled out a mandatory 24-hour “cooling-off” period for all SIM cards and eSIMs that reconnect to Russian networks after international roaming. During that window, mobile data and SMS are blocked, while voice calls generally remain active.

Officials say the measures aim to prevent the use of foreign SIM cards in drones—part of a broader push to tighten network security and subscriber verification. But the change also highlights Russia’s growing divergence from global telecom trends that emphasize instant, borderless connectivity.

Local-only eSIM activation

Previously, Russian operators such as MTS, Beeline, and MegaFon allowed remote eSIM activations, even when customers were abroad. That flexibility has now ended.

Under the new rule, Russian-brand eSIMs can only be activated while connected to a Russian mobile network. If a subscriber deletes their eSIM profile or switches phones while traveling, they’ll have to wait until they are physically back in Russia to reinstall and reactivate it.

Technically, this creates a geo-fenced provisioning environment: any activation request made outside Russian borders is automatically declined. The change gives regulators greater oversight and reduces the risk of anonymous or remote activations—but at the cost of convenience for legitimate users.

For travelers and expats, this shift effectively removes one of eSIM’s key advantages: the ability to activate service remotely.

The 24-hour “cooling-off” rule

The second change affects any SIM or eSIM that registers on a Russian network after roaming. As confirmed by Russia’s Digital Development Ministry, these cards now face a 24-hour block on data and SMS services upon reconnection.

Voice calls continue to work during this time, but other mobile functions are paused. The same rule applies to Russian subscribers returning from trips abroad and to domestic users whose SIMs have been inactive for 72 hours or more.

If a SIM remains unused for three days after the block ends, the system can automatically reapply the delay. In some cases, users must complete a CAPTCHA verification or contact their mobile operator before services resume fully.

The policy began testing in November 2025 and is now being rolled out across all Russian networks.

What this means for users

For travelers entering Russia, the effect is immediate: your data and SMS won’t work for the first 24 hours, regardless of whether you’re using a foreign SIM or eSIM. Wi-Fi will be your best friend during that first day for maps, messages, and ride-hailing apps.

For Russian citizens returning home, expect the same temporary loss of data and messaging after your SIM reconnects.

For long-term expats, the bigger concern is that you can’t re-activate a Russian eSIM while abroad. If you switch devices or delete your profile, you’ll need to wait until you’re back in Russia.

These restrictions essentially trade flexibility for control. While Russia’s Digital Ministry says the goal is to prevent security threats, the result is slower, more cumbersome connectivity for everyone—especially frequent travelers.

How Russia’s policy differs from global norms

Elsewhere in the world, the trend is the opposite. Telecom markets in Europe, the U.S., and much of Asia are moving toward remote eSIM provisioning, using the GSMA’s Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) standard. This system lets users install eSIM profiles digitally without ever visiting a store—and it’s become the backbone of modern smartphone connectivity.

Major carriers like AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, and SingTel have built their customer onboarding around this standard. Apple’s eSIM-only iPhones in the U.S. market are further proof that the industry is pushing for instant, digital-first activation.

Russia’s decision to require local presence and human verification marks a step away from that global model. Similar restrictions exist in China, where consumer eSIM availability is limited, and India, where all SIM activations require strict identity checks. But Russia’s unique 24-hour block on reconnection sets it apart as one of the most rigid telecom environments in the world.

Security vs. convenience

From a policy perspective, Russia’s stance is rooted in network sovereignty—the idea that a country should fully control access to its digital and telecom infrastructure. By forcing all activations to happen within national borders and delaying service after roaming, regulators can more easily monitor usage and prevent anonymous device activity.

However, this approach runs counter to the original promise of eSIM technology: seamless, borderless connectivity. For users, it means extra waiting time, more verification steps, and less flexibility when traveling or switching devices.

The bottom line about Russia eSIM activation

Russia’s new telecom rules reflect a growing divide in the global eSIM landscape. While much of the world embraces open, instant digital connectivity, Russia is doubling down on local verification and delayed access in the name of security.

For travelers, the inconvenience may be minor—just a day of delay—but for the telecom industry, it’s a telling shift. As connectivity becomes more political and regulated, the freedom to connect anywhere may no longer be guaranteed everywhere.