Russia eVisa Requirements
To apply for a Russia eVisa, you need two documents: a scan of your passport bio page and a recent digital photograph. No invitation letter. No hotel booking confirmation. No embassy visit.
These requirements apply equally to all Russia eVisa types, whether you are applying for a tourist, business, guest visit, or any other category.
Documents Required for the Application
Passport Bio Page Scan
- Upload a colour scan of your passport bio page.
- The full page must be visible, including all four corners.
- All printed details and the MRZ (the two lines of text at the bottom) must be readable.
- Avoid shadows, reflections, or glare on the page.
- Do not crop, tilt, or use a black-and-white scan.
Digital Applicant Photograph
- Provide a recent colour photograph against a plain white or light background.
- Face the camera directly with a neutral expression.
- Keep your eyes open and mouth closed.
- Do not wear glasses, tinted lenses, or headgear. Religious head coverings are permitted.
- Do not crop or reuse the photo from your passport page.
Passport Conditions
Your passport must meet these conditions at the time of application:
- Valid for at least 6 months from the date you submit your application (not from the date of entry).
- Machine-readable, with a clear MRZ.
- Issued by a country eligible for Russia eVisa.
- Your full date of birth (day, month, and year) must appear in the passport. Applications with a missing birth date are automatically rejected.
- Sufficient blank space for border crossing stamps.
Requirements for Children
Each child requires a separate eVisa application, even if the child is listed in a parent's passport.
Children under 6 years of age are exempt from the visa cost.
What to Carry Upon Arrival
The documents below are not part of the online application. You will not upload them when applying. They are, however, important to have ready when you travel.
Medical Insurance
Foreign citizens entering Russia on an eVisa are required to hold medical insurance valid in Russia for the full duration of their stay. Border officials may ask to see proof of coverage upon arrival. Having this document ready speeds up verification at the border.
Some countries may be exempt from this requirement based on reciprocal agreements.
Printed or Saved Copy of Your eVisa
You will need to show your approved eVisa when boarding and at passport control. Print a copy or save it on your mobile device before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Russia eVisa does not require an invitation letter, a hotel booking confirmation, or any other supporting document. You only need your passport bio page scan and a digital photograph.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you submit your application. If it expires sooner than that, renew your passport before applying.
Yes. Every traveller, including children, must have their own eVisa. A child cannot travel on a parent's eVisa, even if the child is listed in the parent's passport.
No. All Russia eVisa types share the same document requirements. You will always need a passport bio page scan and a digital photograph, regardless of the eVisa category you select.
Yes, as long as the image is in colour, the full page is visible, and all text including the MRZ is clearly readable. Avoid shadows and reflections.
Content Disclaimer: This information was last updated in April 2026. We recommend verifying all travel details with the relevant authorities, embassies, and airlines before finalising your travel plans.