Russia now applies a 24-hour SIM โcooling-offโ window after a subscriber returns from international roaming or after a SIM stays inactive for 72 hours. Consequently, mobile data and SMS stop while networks verify identity and risk signals tied to ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ near borders. Therefore, travelers and idle users should expect a full day without cellular data or texting after the trigger event, even though voice service typically remains available. Moreover, operators coordinate a staged restore once checks complete.
๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฒ๐, Triggers, Scope, and Duration
Carriers start the 24-hour blackout when a device reconnects to Russian networks after roaming or when logs show three days of inactivity. Consequently, networks block mobile data and SMS during that window. Meanwhile, operators run automated checks and identity verification flows before they release the block. Importantly, the policy targets ๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐ข๐ ๐ง ๐๐๐๐ฌ and ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐๐ง ๐๐๐๐ฌ, and some carriers extend enforcement when the device remains idle after the first cooldown. Therefore, subscribers should plan around airport arrivals, border crossings, and long idle periods.ย
๐๐ฑ๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ: Travelers, Businesses, and Roaming Workflows
International visitors lose mobile data and SMS for the first 24 hours in country; therefore, they rely on Wi-Fi for apps and messaging. Meanwhile, returning residents face the same pause when they re-enter or when a domestic SIM sits idle beyond the threshold. Consequently, airports, hotels, and enterprises should prepare offline maps, local contact numbers, and check-in procedures that do not require immediate SMS codes. Moreover, help desks should brief staff on the rule so they can set expectations during busy arrivals.
๐ฃ๐ผ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น๐ฒ: Anti-Drone and Anti-Abuse Objectives
Authorities link the cooling-off period to ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ซ๐๐๐ญ ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง and to abuse prevention tied to recycled or dormant numbers. Therefore, networks aim to break potential control links and to validate subscriber identity before data resumes. Meanwhile, media and telecom sources describe the policy as a nationwide pilot that carriers started to implement in October, then expanded in November under ministry oversight. Consequently, travelers should expect ongoing adjustments as operators tune automation and exception handling.
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐:ย What Unlocks Your SIM Again
Operators restore mobile data and SMS after the 24-hour window ends and after checks pass. Moreover, some carriers require a quick identity confirmation through an operator channel or a self-service flow. Therefore, users should keep passport or account details ready and should try the operator app or hotline if service does not resume when expected. Meanwhile, periodic inactivity may retrigger the block until consistent usage occurs.
๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ค ๐๐๐ฉ, Edge Cases and Service Variability
Travelers report cases where systems failed to auto-lift the block, which forced manual intervention and extended downtime. Therefore, enterprises that depend on SMS for MFA during travel should pre-stage backup factors. Moreover, tourists should download offline maps and translation packs before arrival and should store booking codes locally to avoid lockouts while the SIM cools. Consequently, teams should monitor carrier advisories as enforcement matures.ย
๐๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ๐, Minimize Operational Friction
Companies with staff who cross into Russia should brief travelers, issue eSIMs with staged activation, and enable app-based authenticators that work offline. Moreover, support teams should document Wi-Fi fallbacks, voice call alternatives, and delayed SMS flows. Therefore, security teams should review conditional access rules so cooldown-affected logins do not trigger false positives or lockouts.
๐๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ฒ๐ฟ๐: Practical Prep Steps
Travelers should download offline navigation and translation packs, print or save QR codes for transit, and pre-authorize key apps for offline use. Meanwhile, they should capture hotel contacts and airport transfer details locally. Consequently, first-day logistics continue smoothly while data and SMS remain paused.
๐๐๐ค๐
Q: Does voice calling work during the 24-hour cooling-off period?
A: In most reports, voice continues; therefore, users can call support lines or operators while data and SMS remain paused.ย
Q: What events trigger the 24-hour block?
A: Reconnecting after international roaming or leaving a SIM idle for 72 hours can trigger the block; consequently, the network pauses data and SMS while it verifies identity and risk.ย
Q: Can the block extend beyond 24 hours?
A: In some cases, restoration required manual intervention; therefore, delays occurred beyond 24 hours until operators cleared the state.
Q: How should travelers prepare?
A: Travelers should rely on Wi-Fi on day one, preload offline resources, and carry backup MFA methods; consequently, they avoid lockouts during the pause.ย
