Russia’s lower-house State Duma has passed a bill that bans unauthorized foreign travel for Russian senators and deputies, formalizing restrictions that have been in place informally since 2022.
In April, the Kremlin announced various travel restrictions for Russian officials. Reuters reported that these rules aimed to prevent entrapment, disclosure of state secrets, or extradition to the West, creating “chaotic” travel regulations across state bodies.
Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent deterioration of relations with the West, Moscow introduced an informal travel ban for officials. The new legislation makes these restrictions official, with the Duma voting unanimously to strip deputies and senators of their mandates if they fail to coordinate foreign travel, except for official business trips.
Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin supported the restrictions, stating, “If they’re traveling to Lake Baikal, we’ll support that. Or the Volga, we’d be glad. But if it’s the Maldives or Bali, then, nothing personal, [but] we understand that will be wrong toward the country and our voters.” He added that the amendments would discourage people from seeking election solely to enjoy travel perks at the state’s expense.
The bill is set to become law upon being signed by President Vladimir Putin. Additionally, Volodin instructed the Duma’s Security Committee to draft travel rules for former lawmakers who have not held their mandates for several years.