E-Visa or Ordinary Tourist Visa: Which Fits Your Trip?
The choice depends on citizenship, entry count, itinerary, and filing requirements. The e-visa is valid for 120 days and permits a stay of up to 30 days; it does not require an invitation.
Check Your E-Visa Eligibility
Select your country to instantly see if you qualify for the Russian e-visa
Side-by-Side Conditions
| Condition | E-Visa | Ordinary Tourist Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | 64 eligible states | Citizenship and filing-location rules |
| Validity | 120 days from issue | According to the issued visa |
| Permitted stay | Up to 30 days | According to the issued visa |
| Entries | Single entry | Single or double, as issued |
| Invitation | Not required | Tourist confirmation required |
| Medical insurance | Required unless exempt by reciprocity | Check filing-location requirements |
| Fee | Current amount on MFA portal | Current amount at handling office |
| Entry checkpoints | Official registry only | Check route and border rules |
| Extension | Exceptional statutory grounds only | Depends on a lawful basis |
The E-Visa May Fit If
Citizenship is on the official list, you need one entry, the stay fits within 30 days, and the itinerary uses an approved checkpoint.
The Ordinary Route May Fit If
Citizenship is not eligible, you need double entry, or the itinerary does not fit e-visa conditions. The tourist category requires an invitation.
64 Official States and Taiwan Route
Taiwan has a separate user-facing page under the official entry ‘China (including Taiwan)’.
Use the Live Entry-Checkpoint Registry
Do not rely on a saved list of airports or crossings: the exact checkpoint must appear in the current registry.
Open Official RegistryCheck the Fee When Applying
The official portal displays the current amount and payment terms. Payment is non-refundable regardless of the decision.
Open MFA PortalNeed the Ordinary Tourist-Visa Route?
Documents are sent by email after payment is completed and the submitted data passes the required checks. Applicants should confirm the current filing requirements with the consular office or visa centre handling their application. Visa issuance and admission decisions are made by the competent Russian authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Russia's unified e-visa?
It is a single-entry visa applied for online by citizens of 64 states. It is valid for 120 days and permits a stay of up to 30 days from entry within the validity period.
Does the e-visa require an invitation?
No. The e-visa does not require an invitation or hotel booking confirmation. An ordinary tourist visa requires tourist confirmation.
How much does the e-visa cost?
The official MFA portal displays the current amount payable when you apply. Payment is non-refundable regardless of the decision. Do not rely on a fixed amount in a third-party article.
When can I apply?
Apply no earlier than 86 days and no later than 4 days before expected entry. Processing takes no more than 4 calendar days.
When should I choose an ordinary tourist visa?
Use the ordinary route when citizenship is not eligible, you need double entry, or the itinerary does not fit the e-visa checkpoints or conditions. Confirm ordinary-visa requirements with the handling office.