Russian Visa Requirements

Navigating Russia’s e-visa process can be swift and seamless—provided all requirements are met in advance. When documents are correctly uploaded, payments completed, and arrival forms prepared, passport control at Saint Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport can be as quick as a barcode scan.

This streamlined guide breaks down the entire process—from application to airport entry—into clear, actionable steps. By following it closely, you’ll ensure a smooth arrival, avoid delays, and begin your journey through Russia with confidence.

The Russian eVisa: Purpose, Scope, and Advantages

The Russian electronic visa (eVisa) is an online authorisation linked to a specific passport number and delivered by email. It grants a single entry for up to sixteen calendar days. Nationals of forty‑three countries (check the Russia Visa Country page for updates) may apply.

Why many travellers prefer the eVisa

1. Time efficiency. Consulate appointments and courier services are unnecessary. 
2. Cost control. No consular fee is charged.
3. Security of documents. Your physical passport remains with you until departure.
4. Accuracy is essential. An incorrect character may lead to refusal at the border.

Core Document Requirements for the Russian eVisa

Russian border officials examine each document closely. Provide the items in the exact format below to avoid delay.

Passport Copy

• Validity: Minimum six months beyond intended arrival.
• Scan quality: High‑resolution, full‑colour, flat page, no reflections and blurriness.
• Pages to include: Bio‑data page with Machine‑Readable Zone (MRZ) and any page showing renewals.
• Stamp: Ensure your passport has at least one blank page for stamping.

Facial Photograph

• Date taken: Within the last six months.
• Composition: Head straight, eyes open, neutral expression, mouth closed.
• Background: Plain light colour (white preferred).
• Editing: None. Avoid filters, retouching, or scanned prints.
• Size: The photo should be passport size (approximately 3.5 × 4.5 cm).

Supporting Papers That May Be Requested

Health‑Insurance Certificate (Recommended)

Though optional, officers often ask for proof. The certificate should:

• Cover your entire stay in Russia.
• Include emergency medical treatment and repatriation.
• Show your name exactly as in the passport.

Request a letter addressed “To Russian Border Authorities.” It speeds verification.

Completing the Application Form Correctly

Errors in the form are the main reason for rejections. Use the instructions below when entering data.

Names

Enter your surname and given names exactly as printed in the MRZ at the bottom of the passport. Do not shorten or rearrange names. If the surname exceeds the character limit, include the initial parts in order and leave the remainder blank. Do not place excess characters in the Given Names field.

Patronymic

If a patronymic appears in your passport, include it in the Given Names field after your first name, separated by a space.

Passport Number Characters

Confirm each character against the MRZ:

• The letter O must not be replaced by the digit 0.
• The letter I must not be replaced by the digit 1.

Dates and Travel Details

Use the format DD.MM.YYYY. The eVisa allows sixteen calendar days, including arrival and departure dates. Double‑check flights that cross midnight.

Contact Information

Provide an email address you monitor daily. Approval links expire after thirty days.

Step‑by‑Step Application Procedure

1. Prepare digital files

   1. Passport scan: JPEG or PDF, ≤ 5 MB.
   2. Photograph: JPEG, ≤ 5 MB.

2. Access the Russia eVisa portal

   Select Apply for a Russian e‑visa and choose the region available to your nationality.

3. Enter personal data

   Names, birth details, citizenship, passport information, residential address, telephone number, occupation.

4. Specify travel information

   Entry point and accommodation address. A hotel confirmation number is useful.

5. Upload documents

   Resize files before uploading. Oversized files are rejected automatically.

6. Review and confirm

   Inspect each line on the summary page. Corrections are impossible after submission.

7. Submit and wait for email

   Standard processing time: 16 - 20 days. You can also choose expedited processing time [ Rush (13 - 16 days) and Super Rush (10 - 13 days) ] to get your eVisa approved faster.

8. Print the eVisa

   Download the PDF and print in colour. Airlines often request a paper copy.

9. Final verifications before departure

   1. Confirm the eVisa number matches your passport.
   2. Ensure the entry point on the eVisa matches the ticket.
   3. Store both digital and paper copies.

Application Review Process

After submission, your data is screened by an automated system that checks watchlists and verifies document integrity. A consular officer then reviews the application manually. If all criteria are met, an approval email arrives. If not, a refusal email cites the reason—commonly photograph quality or name discrepancies. You may correct the error and reapply without additional fee.

Arrival and Border Formalities

Entry Points Accepting the eVisa

• Airports: Pulkovo (Saint Petersburg), Khrabrovo (Kaliningrad), Vladivostok International, and other designated airports.
• Seaports: Saint Petersburg, Vladivostok, Kaliningrad.
• Land checkpoints: Selected crossings with Estonia, Latvia, Norway, Poland, China, and Mongolia.

Border Interview

The officer may ask: your purpose of visit, address in Russia, and date of departure. Present your printed eVisa and insurance certificate (Optional).

Migration Card and Registration

You will receive a small migration card on arrival. Keep it with your passport; you must return it upon departure. For stays exceeding seven working days, registration is required. Hotels complete this automatically; private hosts must register guests at a post office.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Low‑quality scans – Use daylight and a flat surface.
2. Edited photographs – Submit an unaltered image.
3. Name spelling errors – Copy directly from the MRZ.
4. Missing insurance – Carry proof even if labelled optional.
5. Overstaying – Day sixteen is the deadline for departure.

Conclusion

A correctly completed eVisa application removes uncertainty at the border and allows you to focus on your itinerary from the moment you land. Gather high‑quality scans, adhere to MRZ spellings, follow the portal instructions exactly, and keep both digital and printed copies of the approval. With these steps observed, entry formalities become routine and your attention can turn to the purpose of your visit—whether business meetings, cultural programmes, or tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Content Disclaimer: This content was refreshed in May 2025. Please confirm all travel details with the New Zealand embassies, agencies, and airlines for complete accuracy.