Visa Requirements
Several foreign nationals must obtain an electronic visa if traveling to Russia. The category of eVisa Russia applicable will vary according to the visitor’s intended purpose and length of stay, as well as their citizenship.
For many foreigners, the visa application process for Russia has been facilitated as of lately. With the new Russian eVisa scheme, introduced by the government and directed at various eligible nations, grants travelers the opportunity to apply online for short-term visas.
When visiting Russia for tourism purposes, travelers are subjected to different visa requirements depending on their nationality and travel itinerary. The majority of tourists are eligible to:
- Russia Online Visa
- Russian Tourist Visa
With a Russian eVisa, travelers don’t have to visit a Russian consulate or pay for the services of a travel agency, decreasing costs and saving time. The eVisa application can be completed online in a matter of minutes. Foreigners who wish to obtain a Russian Tourist Visa must make an appointment at a consulate or embassy, provide a series of documents, and/or pay a registered travel agent to organize the visa on their behalf.
Documents Required for the Russian eVisa Application
Applications for an eVisa Russia can be done online by submitting the following:
- A filled-out eVisa application form
- A valid passport issued by one of the Russia eVisa countries with one or more blank pages. The travel document must not expire before 6 months from the eVisa application date.
- A current 3.5 x 4.5 (passport-size) color photograph with white backdrop
- A travel health insurance valid through the duration of the trip to Russia
- The eVisa processing fee, paid by Credit or Debit card
Applicants may upload the necessary travel documentation at different sessions during the online application process. It is possible to fill out the Russian eVisa electronic form while still making arrangements to organize documents such as travel insurance and passport photographs.
Eligible applicants must ensure that all information in the eVisa form is accurate prior to submitting the application. Should any of the personal info (full name, address, contact details, date of birth, etc.) and/or passport details (name and number on passport, expiry and issue date, etc.) be inaccurate or incomplete, the eVisa application may be delayed or rejected.
Those who have been granted an eVisa should print a copy of the travel authorization to be presented at an official Russian port of entry alongside the registered passport. An eVisa will allow visitors to travel freely within a designated Russian region for no more than 8 days, making sure to exit the country from the same official checkpoint through which they entered.
eVisa Russia Requirements by Nationality
Over 50 nations are included in the eVisa Russia eligibility list. Provided that the traveler is from an eligible country and the intended duration and purpose of the visit follow the eVisa regulations, it is possible to apply for a Russian electronic visa.
Not every eligible citizen may apply for all three Russian eVisas. Some eligible passport-holders will be able to submit an application for a Kaliningrad eVisa, but not for Far East eVisas. It’s essential to check the respective country’s eligibility prior to applying for the eVisa:
The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have not been included on the list of countries eligible to a Russian electronic visa due to political disagreements.
Russian eVisas are granted for the purposes of:
- Touristic trips
- Business endeavors
- Humanitarian missions
- Sport events
- Cultural exchange
- Scientific research
Russian eVisas are valid for 1 month and grant the bearer a stay of up to 8 days within the designated region.
Apply for Russian Tourist Visa: Documents Required
Ordinary Russian Tourist Visas have stricter requirements. Applications for travel authorizations for tourism require travelers to present relevant documents proving that their travel purpose is solely leisure.
Applicants should first request an official tourist invitation letter from Russian tour agencies or hotels, then bring a copy of this and the following documents to a consulate or embassy of Russia:
- Proof of accommodation: Accommodation booking confirmations from hotels, hostels, or other Russian entities for the whole of their stay in the country.
- Travel plans: A detailed travel itinerary for their trip to Russia as well as purchase confirmation of any event, tour, or attraction planned.
- Travel documentation: General travel documents required for Russian eVisas, such as visa application form for tourism, current photograph, registered passport, and travel insurance.