Foreign vessels will require permission from the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) to enter the country’s seaports under a presidential decree signed by Vladimir Putin.
Starting July 21, ships arriving from foreign ports must obtain authorization from the port captain in coordination with designated FSB officials before entering Russian seaports, according to the decree published on Monday.
Putin enacted the order under Article 8 of Federal Constitutional Law No. 1-FKZ “On Martial Law” (dated January 30, 2002), which governs vessel access to Russian ports. The measures took immediate effect upon publication.
The FSB will designate officials responsible for processing these clearances in line with the July 21 decree. The Russian government is mandated to ensure full implementation of the new regulations.
Specifically, the FSB must assign personnel to inspect incoming vessels, while the government monitors compliance. Both agencies have received formal directives to execute these provisions.
The decree’s language confirms its applicability to all Russian ports. Authorities have not yet provided justification for the heightened restrictions.
