The Russian National Tourist Office has confirmed that from 10 December 2014, all foreign nationals are required to provide biometric data (finger print scan) in order to apply for a visiting visa. 

To do this, individuals are expected to travel to the visa application centre in person (15-27 Gee Street, London EC1V 3RD) or their consulate in Edinburgh (58 Melville Street, Edinburgh EH3 7HF) to complete the process. This process however, does not apply to children under the age of 12 where their parents can apply on their behalf. Postal applications will not be accepted.

All applications that are complete and received prior to 08.00 on 9 December will be processed as per current guidelines and will not require the traveller to attend the visa application centre to provide fingerprints.

The official advice on the visa process is available on the Russian Embassy website.