Russia eVisa Passport Scan Requirement
Every passport contains a page with the holder's photograph, full name, date of birth, and other personal details. This is the bio page, and it is one of two documents you need to submit when you apply for a Russia eVisa.
You already have this document in hand. All you need to do is capture a clear image of it.
What Is the Passport Bio Page
The bio page is the inside page of your passport that carries your personal information. It includes your photograph, full legal name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, and the machine-readable zone (MRZ) printed along the bottom.
Following is a sample of what a standard passport bio page looks like.
This is the page you need to scan or photograph when completing your Russia eVisa application.
Why This Scan Is Needed
The passport bio page scan allows us to verify your identity and confirm that the details entered in your application match your official travel document.
It also helps us confirm that your passport meets the requirements for the Russia eVisa. Your passport must be machine-readable, issued by your country of nationality, and valid for at least 6 months from the date you submit your application.
If any of these conditions are not met, the application cannot move forward. A clear scan lets us check all of this on your behalf before submission, so there are no surprises later.
How to Scan or Photograph Your Passport Bio Page
You can use a flatbed scanner or a phone camera. Both work well, and the method you choose does not matter as long as the final image is clear and complete.
If you are using a scanner:
Open your passport to the bio page and place it face down on the scanner. Make sure the full page sits within the scanning area, including the printed lines along the bottom. Once scanned, check the image to confirm that all text and your photograph are clearly visible.
If you are using a phone or camera:
Place your passport on a flat surface in a well-lit room. Open it to the bio page and smooth it down so the page lies as flat as possible. Hold your phone or camera directly above the page, keeping it level, and take the photograph.
Make sure all four edges of the page are visible in the frame, with no fingers, shadows, or objects covering any part of it.
If the surface you are working on reflects light, or if your passport has a glossy laminate, turn off the flash and rely on natural or overhead lighting instead. This avoids glare that can make the text difficult to read.
Once you have the image, take a moment to look at it closely. If you can read every line of text and see the photograph clearly, the image is ready to upload.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- The machine-readable zone at the bottom of the bio page must be fully visible in your scan. This is the section with two printed lines of letters, numbers, and chevrons. If it is cut off or obscured, the scan will not be accepted.
- If your passport bio page shows signs of wear, fading, or physical damage, make sure the essential details remain legible. Should any critical information be unreadable, you may need to renew your passport before applying.
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your application. This is counted from the day you submit, not from your planned date of travel to Russia. If your passport expires within this window, your application cannot be processed.
- The passport bio page scan is one of two documents required for your Russia eVisa application. The second is a recent digital photograph of yourself. For guidance on that requirement, refer to Russia eVisa Photo Requirements.