Types of Russia eVisa
For sightseeing, recreation, or general tourism.
For professional or commercial engagements.
For visiting friends, family, or acquaintances for personal reasons.
For attending cultural programmes or festivals.
For scientific conferences or academic events.
For attending or participating in sporting events.
For economic forums, trade events, or financial conferences.
Same tourist eVisa, with the consular fee waived.
For socio-political programmes or public affairs events.
All nine categories share the same specifications, application process, and document requirements. If your travel purpose falls outside these, you will need a regular visa from a Russian embassy or consulate.
Russia eVisa Specifications
- Entries: Single entry. Once you exit Russia, the visa is used, even if your 30-day stay is not fully utilised.
- Validity: 120 days from the date of issue.
- Maximum Stay: 30 days from the date of entry.
Note: Your day of arrival and day of departure each count as one full day. If you enter on June 1, you must exit by June 30. The stay is not calculated in hours.
Russia eVisa Requirements
Requirements apply equally across all nine eVisa categories.
Documents to Upload: A clear scan of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photograph.
Passport Requirement: Must be machine-readable, issued by your country of nationality, and valid for at least 6 months from the date of application (not from entry). It must contain your full date of birth and sufficient blank space for stamps. A missing date of birth results in automatic rejection.
Medical Insurance: It is recommended that you hold medical insurance valid in Russia for your entire stay. Certain nationalities may be exempt based on bilateral agreements.
How to Apply for a Russia Visa Online
- Complete the Application Form: Provide your passport details, personal information (full name, parents' names, occupation, birthplace), trip purpose, accommodation address in Russia, host details, source of funds, and travel history for the past 3 years. All details must match your passport exactly.
- Select Processing Speed:
Normal: 6 - 9 days. Rush: 4 - 7 days (additional fee). Super Rush: 3 - 5 days (additional fee).
If your application is returned for correction, the processing period restarts from resubmission. - Review and Confirm: A full summary of your entries appears before submission. Check every field before confirming.
- Upload Documents: Upload your passport bio page scan and passport-style photo. Both must be clear and legible.
- Pay the Fee: Pay using a debit card, credit card, or another accepted method. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Receive Your eVisa: Your approved eVisa arrives at your registered email. Print a copy. You will need to present it during boarding and at the Russian border.
Entry Points and Freedom of Movement
eVisa holders can enter and exit Russia only through government-approved checkpoints. These cover air, rail, road, naval, river, and pedestrian crossings.
Major airports such as Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo (Moscow) and Pulkovo (Saint Petersburg) are all on the approved list, along with dozens of others across the country.
Arriving at a non-designated checkpoint will result in denied entry. This matters if you are planning overland travel, a cruise, or connections through smaller cities.
Once inside Russia, you have full freedom of movement across the entire territory. There are no regional restrictions tied to the eVisa. You may travel freely between cities and federal districts, with the exception of areas requiring a special permit under federal law.
Important Information for Travellers
Single Entry, Single Use: Exiting Russia at any point uses the visa, even with remaining days in your stay allowance.
Children: Each minor child requires a separate eVisa, even if listed in a parent's passport. Children under 6 are exempt from the consular fee.
Existing Visa Holders: If you hold a valid regular Russian visa, you do not need an eVisa. A regular visa cannot be extended by obtaining an eVisa alongside it.
Extensions: The eVisa can only be extended in cases of emergency medical treatment, force majeure, or natural disasters. Do not plan your trip expecting an extension.
Fee: The processing fee is non-refundable whether your application is approved, denied, or withdrawn.