Starting 23 July 2025, travellers to Russia will find their e-Visas last twice as long and allow twice the stay. A decree signed by President Vladimir Putin has set this change in motion, redefining how visitors plan their time in the country since the e-Visa first became widely available in 2023.
Here are the new rules every traveller should be aware of:
Since its launch, the e-Visa has already been used by more than 1.2 million visitors, with China, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Turkey, India, and Estonia among the most frequent users.
When the system began in August 2023, it simplified travel by removing the need for embassy visits and paper applications. Yet many travellers found the short 16-day stay restrictive. The new 30-day stay softens that pressure.
The extension answers these concerns directly. By doubling validity to 120 days and allowing a 30-day stay, Russia offers travellers more breathing room. As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, the reform is meant to attract more visitors for tourism, business, cultural, and humanitarian purposes, while still keeping firm migration and security controls in place.
For now, the e-Visa remains single entry. But the future may look different. On 11 June 2025, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov confirmed that officials are exploring a multiple entry option to meet demand from frequent travellers. Discussions with the Foreign Ministry and border authorities are ongoing, suggesting that further changes could be on the horizon.
If introduced, a multiple entry e-Visa could transform travel for those who crisscross Russia for business, return often for family ties, or make seasonal trips. It would remove the need to reapply every time a traveller steps out and back in.
The extended visa does not mean open borders. Visitors must still pass through one of the 105 authorised checkpoints, whether that is Sheremetyevo in Moscow, Pulkovo in Saint Petersburg, a rail terminal, or a recognised land crossing. The rules remain firm.
The decree does allow rare exceptions. With explicit permission from the Federal Security Service (FSB), travellers may be authorised to enter outside these routes. For the vast majority of visitors, however, border crossing is strictly limited to the official list of checkpoints.
The application process is designed to be simple and entirely online. Here is a step-by-step overview:
Check your details with care. A typo in your passport number or travel date can undo the process, leaving you stranded.
Three categories are currently offered:
All follow the same new rules on validity and permitted stay.
With these changes, Russia has made its e-Visa more practical and flexible. Travellers should keep in mind:
Content Disclaimer: Visa rules may change; confirm current requirements on the official Russian e-Visa portal before travel.
Step1: Complete the online application by providing your passport details.
Step2: Submit payment online using a credit card.
Step3: Monitor your email for confirmation of payment and receipt of your eVisa, which will be sent electronically.
