Russia makes it easier to obtain visas for foreign tourists. Citizens of many countries have the opportunity to obtain an electronic Russian visa from August 1, 2023. An electronic visa is convenient because you do not need to go anywhere. Everything can be done remotely, online, via the Internet.
(This information was published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia and in the media on July 20, 2023. Changes are possible. Follow the news.)
At the time of writing, citizens of 55 countries can obtain an e-visa.
Here is a list of foreign countries whose citizens can be issued a Russian e-visa:
- Austria.
- Andorra.
- Bahrain.
- Belgium.
- Bulgaria.
- Vatican.
- Hungary.
- Germany.
- Greece.
- Denmark.
- India.
- Indonesia.
- Iran.
- Ireland.
- Iceland.
- Spain.
- Italy.
- Cyprus.
- China (including Taiwan).
- Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
- Kuwait.
- Latvia.
- Lithuania.
- Liechtenstein.
- Luxembourg.
- Malaysia.
- Malta.
- Mexico.
- Monaco.
- Netherlands.
- Norway.
- Oman.
- Poland.
- Portugal.
- Romania.
- San Marino.
- Saudi Arabia.
- North Macedonia.
- Serbia.
- Singapore.
- Slovakia.
- Slovenia.
- Turkey.
- Philippines.
- Finland.
- France.
- Croatia.
- Czech Republic.
- Switzerland.
- Sweden.
- Estonia
- Japan.
- Vietnam.
- Cambodia.
- Myanmar.
How much does a visa to Russia cost? According to information published in the media, obtaining an electronic Russian visa for adults costs 52 US dollars, for children under 6 years old - no more than 2 dollars. (You should be prepared for the fact that changes are possible.)
The holder of an e-visa can enter the territory of Russia only through those checkpoints that are provided for this. The list of permitted border crossing points is quite large and includes 92 checkpoints. (The list will be expanded in the near future.
To obtain an electronic visa, you need to apply on the specialized website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://electronic-visa.kdmid.ru (or through a mobile application).
The application must be submitted no later than 4 calendar days before the expected date of entry into the Russian Federation. You will also need a digital photograph of your face and a scan of your passport data page.
An electronic visa entitles you to a single entry into the Russian Federation for various purposes (tourism, visiting, business, and others).
The validity of a single electronic visa is 60 days from the date of its issuance.
The permitted period of stay of a foreign citizen in the Russian Federation is not more than 16 days from the date of entry into the territory of the Russian Federation.
Electronic visas are valid for entry into the Russian Federation and exit from the Russian Federation by various means of transport, as well as on foot (where permitted).
For tourists who plan to visit Russia, there are still many inconveniences.
Complex transport logistics. You can fly to Russia through the airports of a limited number of countries. For example: Türkiye, UAE, Armenia, Azerbaijan and some more.
Expensive airfare.
Your bank card may not work in Russia. (Better to have cash.)
