How to get a Visa for Russia
Complete online application
Prepare your passport and fill in our simple online form in less than 5 minutes
Receive your travel visa
We will send you your approved document in a few days - without you having to go anywhere!
Start your journey
Show your passport and the visa we sent you when you arrive at your destination.
Visa Requirements for Russia
- St. Petersburg and Leningrad region
- Kaliningrad Region
- Far East Federal District
For the processing of any of the 3 visas you will need:
- A passport number
- A current photograph
- An email address to receive the visa
- A bank card to pay
If any of these elements are missing, your application will be saved so that you can complete it at a later stage.
The whole process of getting the Russian eVisa for any of the 3 regions mentioned above is done online without having to go to the embassy or consulate.
The application of these visas has been simplified on Visagov, to minimise the risk of error. It only takes 5 minutes to complete, and you can do it in your own language.
You must print the visa you will receive in your email, and present it along with your passport upon arrival at your destination.
Do you need more information? See our complete guide: How to get a visa for Russia
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FAQ
Do I need an e-Visa to travel to Russia?
Yes, as long as your entry is done through one of these three ports: Kaliningrad, St. Petersburg and Leningrad or Far East Federal District.
If you wish to visit Moscow, or another destination other than the ones mentioned above, you will need to go to the nearest embassy to apply for your visa in person.
What types of electronic visas exist for Russia?
There are several visas granted by the Russian consulate: tourist, business, study, transit and personal or ordinary. However, the most common ones are tourist and business visas.
If I fly to another country through Russia, do I need a Russian transit visa?
If you plan to leave the airport, yes, you must present your transit visa which allows you to stay up to 3 days in the country.
How long does it take to get a visa for Russia?
The visa application takes no more than 5 minutes. The approval of the application will take between 2-3 working days depending on your date of entry to the country.
Do minors need a visa for Russia?
Yes, minors must also have a valid visa to enter the country.
Can I extend my visa without leaving Russia?
You can apply for an extension of your e-visa at the airport, but it’s not guaranteed that you will get it approved. This procedure can never be done online.
What do I do if my passport is lost or stolen with the visa?
If your passport gets lost or stolen with or without your visa, you must go to the nearest police station to file a report. In order to have new documents or a new visa, you must go to your country's embassy in Russia.
What is the validity of the e-Visa for Russia?
The visas that we process are valid for 8 days from the date of entry into the country.
How much does the e-Visa for Russia cost?
The price of the electronic visa (e-visa) for any of the 3 types available is 29€.
What do I need in order to go to Russia?
It depends on where you are traveling in Russia. You will always need a valid visa and your original passport with a minimum of 6 months validity starting from the date of entry to the country.
What do I need to present when I arrive in Russia?
You will need to present your original passport and your printed approved e-visa.
When is the best time to apply for my visa to Russia?
You can apply for your e-Visa at any time. It does not take more than 48 hours, although we recommend that you do it at least 15 days in advance, in case some additional documents are needed.
If you have to apply for your visa in person at the embassy, then you should start applying at least 1 month in advance.
Which countries need a visa for Russia?
Check here if your country is eligible to apply for a visa online, or if you need a visa in person.
Check your eligibility
Use our eligibility checker to find out if you match with the requirements.
We are sorry, you have to apply at the embassy.
Visa for Russia: More information
From 2021 the electronic visa system will also be implemented for the Moscow, Sochi and Kazan regions. However, for the time being, the e-Visa can only be processed for travel to the Russian Far East, St. Petersburg and Leningrad, and for the Kaliningrad region. This type of visa dramatically speeds up the processing of such a document. Electronic visas for these Russian regions allow an 8-day stay in the country for tourist purposes. They do not allow you to work, live or study in Russia.
The only travellers who are exempt from applying for a visa to travel to Russia are citizens of Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
To apply for a visa, it is not compulsory to have medical insurance. However, upon arrival in Russia, the authorities will ask for proof of medical insurance together with the visa and your passport.
The Russian immigration authorities reserve the right of admission to their country. If a person represents a threat to security or national interests, they will refuse their entry to the country.