Flying Without a Passport: Russia Tests Biometric Boarding on Moscow-St. Petersburg Route

Starting June 1, 2026, passengers on Aeroflot Shuttle flights between Moscow and St. Petersburg can leave their passports in their bags and board using just their face. The year-long experiment, running until April 1, 2027, lets travelers use biometric data for check-in, security, and boarding through the state’s Unified Biometric System. It’s a voluntary alternative to showing a passport—passengers can choose whichever method they prefer. But there’s a catch: even if you opt for biometrics, you must still carry your passport during the pilot phase.

To use the service, travelers need to enroll their biometric data in the federal system, which they can do at banks or other authorized centers. Once enrolled, a digital facial template is created and used to verify identity at the airport. The goal is to test the technology and gather feedback before expanding it to other airports. Moscow’s Vnukovo has already expressed interest, and Sheremetyevo is exploring biometric boarding for international flights. If the trial succeeds, Russia could take a major step toward a seamless, document-free travel experience.