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Russia E-Visa Complete Guide 2026

Everything you need to know about the Russian e-visa: $40 fee, up to 16-day stay, 55+ eligible countries. Processed in 4 days without visiting a consulate.

$40 4 days processing 55+ countries 29+ entry points

What is the Russian e-visa and how do I get one?

The Russian e-visa is a simplified $40 electronic visa processed in 4 days online. It allows a single entry for up to 16 days. Available to citizens of 55+ countries (excluding USA, UK, Canada). Apply at electronic-visa.kdmid.ru.

  • Cost: $40 (no additional fees)
  • Stay: up to 16 days, single entry
  • Processing: 4 calendar days
  • No invitation letter required
  • US, UK, Canada citizens are NOT eligible

What Is the Russian E-Visa?

The Russian e-visa (electronic visa) is a simplified visa type introduced in 2023. It allows citizens of 55+ countries to visit Russia without visiting a consulate, without an invitation letter, and without mandatory travel insurance.

Applications are submitted entirely online at the official Russian MFA portal electronic-visa.kdmid.ru. The visa is processed in 4 calendar days and costs $40.

Key Parameters:

  • Cost: $40 (single fee)
  • Stay: up to 16 days
  • Entry type: single entry
  • Processing: 4 calendar days
  • Purposes: tourism, business, humanitarian, transit

Who Is Eligible for the Russian E-Visa?

The e-visa is available to citizens of 55+ countries. Here are some examples:

Eligible (examples)

  • 🇩🇪 Germany
  • 🇫🇷 France
  • 🇪🇸 Spain
  • 🇮🇹 Italy
  • 🇨🇳 China
  • 🇮🇳 India
  • 🇯🇵 Japan
  • 🇹🇷 Turkey
  • 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
  • 🇦🇪 UAE
  • 🇲🇽 Mexico
  • 🇰🇷 South Korea

NOT Eligible

  • 🇺🇸 United States
  • 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
  • 🇨🇦 Canada
  • 🇦🇺 Australia
  • 🇳🇿 New Zealand

These citizens need a traditional visa + invitation letter

View full countries list →

Vérifiez votre éligibilité au e-visa

Sélectionnez votre pays pour savoir instantanément si vous êtes éligible au e-visa russe

Cost & Processing Time

ParameterE-VisaRegular Tourist Visa
Cost$40$40–$160 + invitation from $19
Processing4 days5–20 business days
Stay durationup to 16 daysup to 30 days
InvitationNot requiredRequired
Consulate visitNot requiredRequired
EntriesSingleSingle/Double

Detailed comparison →

E-Visa Entry Points

The e-visa is not valid at all border crossings. Here are the main designated checkpoints:

Airports

  • ✈️ Moscow (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky)
  • ✈️ Saint Petersburg (Pulkovo)
  • ✈️ Sochi (Adler)
  • ✈️ Kazan
  • ✈️ Vladivostok (Knevichi)
  • ✈️ Kaliningrad (Khrabrovo)
  • ✈️ Novosibirsk (Tolmachevo)
  • ✈️ Yekaterinburg (Koltsovo)
  • ✈️ Khabarovsk (Novy)
  • ✈️ Samara (Kurumoch)

Seaports

  • 🚢 Saint Petersburg (sea port)
  • 🚢 Vladivostok (sea port)
  • 🚢 Zarubino
  • 🚢 Korsakov
  • 🚢 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

Land Borders

  • 🚗 Mamonovo (Kaliningrad—Poland)
  • 🚗 Bagrationovsk (Kaliningrad—Poland)
  • 🚗 Ivangorod (Russia—Estonia)
  • 🚗 Torfyanovka (Russia—Finland)
  • 🚗 Brusnichnoye (Russia—Finland)
  • 🚗 Svetogorsk (Russia—Finland)

Important: if you plan to enter through a checkpoint not on this list, you need a regular visa.

How to Apply for the E-Visa

1

Check your eligibility

Verify that your country is on the list of 55+ countries eligible for the Russian e-visa.

2

Prepare your documents

You'll need: a valid passport (6+ months validity), a digital photo, and details of your accommodation in Russia.

3

Fill out the online application

Go to electronic-visa.kdmid.ru and complete the form. Upload your photo and pay the $40 fee.

4

Wait for approval

Processing takes 4 calendar days. Check your status on the same website.

5

Print and travel

Print your approved e-visa and present it at the border along with your passport.

Limitations & Restrictions

Maximum 16-day stay (cannot be extended)
Single entry only
Valid at 29+ designated checkpoints only (not all borders)
Cannot change the purpose of visit after issuance
Cannot work on an e-visa
Apply no earlier than 40 days and no later than 4 days before entry
If refused, the $40 fee is non-refundable

E-Visa vs Regular Tourist Visa

The e-visa is ideal for short trips (up to 16 days) by citizens of eligible countries. However, if you need more time, multiple entries, or entry through any border crossing — choose a regular tourist visa.

When to choose a regular visa:

  • Your country is not eligible (USA, UK, Canada, etc.)
  • You need more than 16 days (up to 30 days)
  • You need double entry
  • Entering through a checkpoint not on the e-visa list
Full E-Visa vs Tourist Visa comparison →

If You're Not Eligible for the E-Visa

If your country is not on the eligible list (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia), you need a traditional tourist visa. This requires a visa invitation letter (visa support letter).

Frequently Asked Questions

Need a Traditional Visa Instead?

If the e-visa doesn't work for you — order a visa invitation letter for a traditional tourist visa. Delivered to your email in 5 minutes.

Order Visa Invitation — from $19
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