Russia eVisa: Apply now for the Russian Electronic Visa

Apply online for the Russia eVisa with us!

Last updated: August 2023

Welcome to our guide on the Russian eVisa application process. As international travel continues to evolve, Russia has embraced the digital age by introducing the electronic visa system, streamlining entry procedures for eligible foreign travelers.

In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of obtaining your Russian eVisa 100% online. We simplify visa applications by offering invaluable insights, tips, and necessary information to ensure a successful outcome.

Navigate the details of the Russian eVisa application with confidence by using our simple online form or download our iVisa app for an even smoother experience!

What is the Russia eVisa?

The Russia eVisa is an electronic and biometric visa, meaning that you can get it online from the comfort of your own home. It unifies the past separate visas for different Russian regions. It's also known as a tourist visa.

This Russian Visa authorizes you to enter the country via a certain air, sea, or land border crossing point:

• If you are traveling by air: Vladivostok (Knevichy Airport), Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (Khomutovo Airport), Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (Yelizovo Airport), Khabarovsk (Novy Airport), Anadyr (Ugolny Airport), Kaliningrad (Khrabrovo), Ulan-Ude (Muhino), Chita (Kadala), Pulkovo, Belgorod, Volgograd (Gumrak), Ekaterinburg (Koltsovo), Kazan, Krasnodar (Pashkovsky), Krasnoyarsk (Yemelyanovo), Moscow (Vnukovo), Moscow (Domodedovo), Moscow (Sheremetyevo), Nizhny Novgorod (Strigino), Novosibirsk (Tolmachevo), Rostov-on-Don (Platov), Samara (Kurumoch), Sochi, Irkutsk, Chelyabinsk (Balandino), Arkhangelsk (Talagi), Astrakhan (Narimanovo), Bryansk, Vladikavkaz (Beslan), Grozny (North), Zhukovskiy, Kaluga (Grabtsevo), Lipetsk, Makhachkala (Uytash), Mineralnye Vody, Murmansk, Nalchik, Saratov (Gagarin), Syktyvkar, Tomsk (Bogashevo), Yaroslavl (Tunoshna), Abakan, Barnaul, Kemerovo, Omsk (Tsentral'nyy), Orenburg (Tsentral'nyy), Perm (Bol'shoe Savino), Tyumen (Roshchino), Ulyanovsk (Vostochny), Ufa, and Cheboksary.

• If you are traveling by sea: Vladivostok, Zarubino, Posiet, Korsakov, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Kaliningrad (checkpoints in the cities of Kaliningrad and Svetly), Vysotsk, Big port Saint Petersburg (Marine Station, Fort Constantin, English Embankment and Lieutenant Schmidt Embankment), Passenger port Saint Petersburg, Sochi (International Center for Sea Passenger and Cruise Transportation), Magadan, and Nikolayevsk-on-Amur.

• If you are traveling by land:

Train checkpoints: Pogranichny, Khasan, Makhalino, Mamonovo, Sovetsk, Saint Petersburg - Finlyandskiy, Zabaikal'sk, Naushki.

Car checkpoints: Poltavka, Turiy Rog, Bagrationovsk, Gusev, Mamonovo (Grzechotki), Mamonovo (Gronowo), Morskoje, Pogranichny, Sovetsk, Chernyshevskoye, Ivangorod, Torfjanovka, Brusnitchnoe, Svetogorsk, Kyakhta, Ubylinka, Burachki, Vyartsilya, Kunichina Gora, Shumilkino, Verkhny Lars, Lyuttya, Solov'evsk, and Starotsurukhaitui.

• Other checkpoints: Pedestrian checkpoint: Ivangorot, river checkpoint: Khabarovsk, mixed checkpoints: Blagoveshchensk, Amurzet, and Pokrovka.

What can you do with the Russia eVisa?

This eVisa allows you to visit the country for tourist and private business trips. Additionally, you can use this document to participate in sports, cultural, scientific, sociopolitical, and economic events.

What can’t you do with the Russia eVisa?

Please note that you can’t work or study in Russia with this eVisa. For more info about these activities and the temporary residence visa, check the official website of the Russian government.

Eligibility criteria for the Russia eVisa

There are a few simple criteria to confirm if you’re eligible for the Russian e-Visa:

• Your passport must be issued in an eligible country (see the next section for more info).

• Your passport must be machine-readable and valid for at least 6 months from the date of applying for the eVisa. There must be sufficient space in your passport for border crossing stamps.

• You must have medical insurance, valid in the territory of the Russian Federation for the entire trip.

Who can apply for the Russia eVisa?

Travelers from over 50 foreign countries can apply for this visa to visit Russia. These include European, Korean, Mexican, Omani, Saudi Arabian, Singaporean, Turkish, Chinese, Iranian, Japanese, and Indian passport holders.

Are you from another country? Find out if you can apply for this visa by using our handy Visa Checker Tool and apply instantly online!

Visa-exempt: Who doesn't need to apply for the Russia eVisa?

The Russian Federation doesn't require visas for citizens of visa-free countries, but most of the time their stay is limited. For longer stays in Russia, you'll need a regular visa.

Nationals from the following countries can enter Russia without a visa:

Do minors have to apply for the Russia eVisa?

Children and minors must have a separate visa for Russia. However, no consular fee is charged for children under 6 years of age.

If you are traveling with minor children registered in your (parent/legal guardian) passport, a separate application for a visa must be submitted for each child.

Russia eVisa validity: How long is the Russian eVisa valid?

This is a Single Entry travel document, meaning you can only travel to Russia once. If you wish to revisit Russia after you have left the country, apply for a new Russian e-Visa.

The permitted stay in Russia is 16 days Per Entry, and the validity period is 60 days after arrival. Consider that your arrival and departure dates will be counted as two days.

Can I extend my Russia eVisa?

It is possible to extend the validity of electronic visas in cases where the applicant can't leave the Russian Federation due to:

• Emergency medical treatment.

• Insurmountable circumstances (force majeure).

• Natural disasters.

The application for an extension of the Russian eVisa is made at the Federal Migration Service office at the place of stay. Some documentation may be required to prove the reason for your extension.

Russia eVisa: Required documents

You only need the following documents for the visa application on our platform:

• Your valid passport. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of application.

• Your application photo. Get the perfect, government-compliant application photo with our online photo service.

The usual visa requirement to submit an invitation letter, hotel reservation, or any other document confirming the purpose of their travel to the Russian Federation, is not required for eVisa applicants.

How to apply for the Russia eVisa online

To get your Russia eVisa online with us, you just need to follow these few simple steps below:

• Step 1. Complete our simplified application form or iVisa app with your personal details and double-check all info carefully.

• Step 2. Choose a preferred processing time and pay the visa fees on our secure platform. You can pay with a credit/debit card or PayPal.

• Step 3. Upload the required documents. Wait for your Russia eVisa confirmation to arrive within the chosen timeframe, and get ready to travel!

We will contact you if we need any more information for your application.

Once the eVisa is approved, you will receive it via email. You should keep an electronic and printed copy of the visa to show on arrival in Russia.

Russia eVisa costs and processing times

Your application can be submitted no earlier than 40 days and no later than 4 days before the expected entry date into Russia.

You can choose from three different processing times on our platform:

• Standard: This option is the most affordable and is perfect for those applying far in advance of their trip.

• Rush: If you need your visa faster than usual, choose this option for an additional fee.

• Super Rush: Need your visa as soon as possible? Choose this option for an express fee.

You can pay the iVisa processing fee and the government fee of USD $54.00 together on our website. Check the exact fees and processing times by starting the application process here.

Do I need a Russia eVisa to transit through the country?

Usually, your Russia eVisa will be valid to do stop-overs at the airport and catch onward or connecting flights on your arrival day. However, we still advise you to check with the Russian Embassy whether you need a transit visa as these conditions can vary per nationality.

Russia entry requirements or restrictions

COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted for all travelers. Some entry restrictions may apply to certain travelers due to the current political situation in Russia. Check the website of the Russian government for the latest entry details.

Differences between the Russia eVisa, regular Russia Visa, and Tourist Invitation Letter

Navigating the world of Russian visas can be a daunting task, but understanding the key differences between the Russia eVisa, regular Russia Visa, and Tourist Invitation Letter may help you decide which document you need. Here are the details:

• Russia eVisa: This digital visa option has revolutionized the entry process for eligible travelers. It offers a simplified application process that can be completed entirely online. It's an excellent choice for short stays, as it typically grants a stay of up to 16 days.

Regular Russia Visa: If your travel plans extend beyond the scope of the eVisa, a regular Russia Visa might be the option for you. This traditional visa allows for longer stays and more travel purposes.

The application process is more complicated, involving a visit to the Russian Consulate or Embassy and a longer list of documents to submit.

• Tourist Invitation Letter: Often used in conjunction with a regular Russia Visa, the Tourist Invitation Letter is a document provided by a Russian tour agency or hotel.

It serves as an official invitation for your visit, demonstrating your purpose of travel and confirming your accommodation arrangements. This letter is usually necessary when applying for a regular visa and can be obtained through our handy online platform.

In summary, the choice between the Russia eVisa, regular Russia Visa, and Tourist Invitation Letter depends on your nationality, the nature of your travel plans, and the duration of your stay.

Learn more about the Russia eVisa

In case you have any questions about the Russia eVisa or any other travel document, reach out to our outstanding customer support team via online chat or by email at [email protected]. They are ready to assist you in case you run into any difficulties.