Russia Implements First Travel Ban Due to Military Register

Border guards prevented a 28-year-old man, who had received a draft notice several days earlier, from leaving Russia. He reported the incident himself on the Telegram channel Pogranichnyy Kontrol [Border Control].

The man said he was issued a draft notice on September 8, requiring him to appear for a medical examination on October 22. After that, the travel ban immediately appeared on the register website. However, he had planned his vacation back in May, so he decided to risk flying. Previously, he had avoided conscription but had not received any draft notices.

“At passport control in Sheremetyevo, officers were called over immediately, without a word. They conducted an explanatory conversation and told me that yes, the ban is indeed showing up in their database, there’s nothing they can do, and that this is the first case they’ve encountered with this new service,” he wrote.

Under current law, a travel restriction is imposed on a citizen as soon as a draft notice is issued in their name. This measure applies only to conscripts: men aged 18–30 who are subject to conscription and do not have the right to deferment or exemption. The restriction should not be applied to other categories of citizens.

“In the case described, the man will only be able to leave Russia after appearing at the military enlistment office or if he appeals the draft notice and the restriction itself,” according to the Movement of Conscientious Objectors (MCO).

The “unified register of military registration” was launched back in August, but this is the first known case where the travel restriction has actually been enforced, writes the MCO. At the same time, there is an indication that the story may be fake — the attached notification photo does not specify which military enlistment office imposed the restriction.