"Debt unpayable while overseas with a starting amount of 10 thousand rubles"
Vacation Interrupted? Here's the Real Deal on Debt and Leaving Russia
Photo: Vladimir Sazonov
Ever heard the rumor that Russians with debts as low as 10,000 rubles can't leave the country? Turns out, it's just another holiday season scare tactic. Let's debunk this myth and shed light on the legitimate scenarios where your debts might hold you back at the border.
WHO GETS STUCK IN RUSSIA
Before you start packing your bags, let's make one thing clear: this isn't a new rule. It's just that with summer on the horizon, the Federal Bailiff Service decided to remind us of the situation when a Russian citizen may not be allowed to leave the country. Here are the instances when a debtor might find himself footloose and homebound:
- The debt exceeds 10,000 rubles, but only in special cases, such as alimony, compensation for health damages, death, property damage, or moral harm stemming from a crime.
- The debt exceeds 30,000 rubles in all other instances, including traffic fines, taxes, and utilities.
- The court sets a deadline for voluntary debt repayment, and more than two months have passed, with the debt yet to be paid. In this case, you won't be able to jet set even if it's just a traffic fine or tax debt.
Crucial takeaway: The ban on leaving is enforced by a bailiff. If you incur a debt, a lawsuit is filed against you first, followed by the decision to implement a ban. This decision is stored in border guard databases, and when you attempt to cross the border, they'll spot the ban and prevent you from leaving, inviting you to sort out your financial affairs.
Even if you decide to settle up right away, you'll have to wait a day or more to receive the go-ahead to leave, as the bailiffs will need to verify the debt repayment, and the border guards will need to receive the updated information.
If you plan on jet-setting abroad, it's a smart move to check if you have any outstanding debts. You can find out by:
- Visiting the Government Services website and searching "Learn about travel restrictions" in the search bar.
- Exploring the Federal Bailiff Service website on the "Database of Enforcement Proceedings" service page.
If you do have debts hanging over your head, it's wise to tackle them promptly -- you can do so through the Government Services website or the Federal Bailiff Service website. Proactive approach is the key to hassle-free travel.
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- A Russian citizen may face obstacles leaving the country if they have debts exceeding 10,000 rubles, especially in cases of alimony, health damages, deaths, property damage, or moral harm from a crime.
- The ban on leaving the country applies when a debt exceeds 30,000 rubles, excluding special cases, and includes traffic fines, taxes, and utilities.
- If a court has set a deadline for voluntary debt repayment and more than two months have passed without payment, the debtor will not be able to leave the country.
- To avoid complications at the border, citizens should check for outstanding debts by visiting the Government Services website or the Federal Bailiff Service website before planning international travel.
