Nizhny Novgorod residents can check into hotels using a digital passport starting April 1.

      April 1, 2026 16:18 Society From April 1, 2026, Russian tourists will have the opportunity to check into hotels using a digital passport through the "Gosuslugi" app. This option replaces the paper passport but is only available in hotels that have transitioned to this format and prepared the technical conditions.

      The Ministry of Economic Development explained that hotels have the right to choose convenient check-in methods for clients. Some tourists prefer biometric authentication, apps, or messengers, while others still use paper passports. The agency is working on expanding the list of documents and improving guest reception systems.

      The passport remains the primary document for check-in, but new options have emerged since 2026, as reported by the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST) to the 360.ru portal.

       Biometric data: Starting in 2025, large chain hotels can already use biometric authentication. For this, it is necessary to submit biometric data in advance.

       Driver's license: From January 1, 2026, driver's licenses will be officially accepted in the absence of a passport.

       Confirmation via MAX messenger: From March 1, 2026, hotels can use the MAX messenger to confirm the guest's identity.

       Digital passport through "Gosuslugi": From April 1, 2026, tourists can check in using a digital passport in the "Gosuslugi" app. This is a full replacement for the paper document.

      RST noted that the choice is for the most convenient method, but the physical passport remains universal.

      To check in using a digital passport, a tourist must create a digital ID based on the "Gosuslugi" app. For this, the following is required:

       a verified account on the "Gosuslugi" portal;

       a new model international passport;

       a driver's license;

       biometric data (if already submitted);

       registration in the MAX service;

       a device with Face ID or fingerprint support.

      The digital ID works only on one device, and the QR code in the app updates every 30 seconds and is protected from screenshots. Hoteliers need to conduct technical integration with government services to read the QR code and send data to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

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