Visa application guide

Citizens from over 50 countries, including all CIS nations, as well as several countries in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, can enter Russia without a visa. All you need is a valid passport. The list of countries whose citizens are allowed visa-free entry is available from official sources. Be sure to check that your passport is valid at the time of entry. Recommended passport validity is six months from the date of your allowed stay in Russia after entry (for example: If you enter Russia on the 1 January and you are allowed to stay up to 90 days, that means that your passport should be valid at least until 1 October).

To clarify whether a particular country is included in the list, follow the link.

Citizens of 64 countries can apply for an electronic visa (e-visa), which allows them to visit Russia for tourism or business purposes. This is the fastest way to obtain a visa — everything can be done online without visiting a consulate. The e-visa is processed within four working days and allows you to stay in Russia for up to 30 days. To obtain an e-visa, you only need a passport, a photo, a completed online application form, and payment of a state fee of $52.

Applications are usually processed within about four days. The e-visa is valid for 120 days, and it allows a stay of up to 30 calendar days within that period.

You can check whether your country is included in the list of countries where electronic visa processing is available by following this link.

You can apply for an electronic visa here.

More verified information is available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

If you are not eligible for visa-free entry or the e-visa, you will need to apply for a regular paper visa. This must be obtained through the Russian consulate or embassy in your country.

You will need to prepare the required documents and submit your application according to the procedures established by the consulate. Processing times and required documents may vary depending on the country, so be sure to check the latest information on the official website of the Russian consulate or embassy where you plan to apply.

A tourist visa is issued according to the dates specified in the tourist confirmation and voucher. It can be single- or double-entry and is usually granted for a maximum period of 30 days. The dates of entry and exit indicated in the application form must match the period specified in the supporting documents.

Please note that a tourist visa can only be issued for tourism purposes. If the purpose of your visit is different, you will need to apply for another type of visa.

Do I need a visa for Russia?

It depends on your citizenship. Citizens of more than 50 countries can enter Russia without a visa, while others will need to apply for a visa.

How do I apply for an e-visa?

To apply for an e-visa, you need a passport, a photo, and a completed online application form. You can apply through the official Russian e-visa portal.

How long does it take to get a Russian visa?

Regular visa applications can take several days to weeks, depending on the embassy’s processing time. E-visas are processed within about four days.