Russia offers two visa options for tourists: the simplified e-visa ($40) and the traditional tourist visa. Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose.
Choose E-Visa if:
Choose Tourist Visa if:
| Feature | E-Visaelectronic-visa.kdmid.ru | Tourist Visavia consulate |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $40 | $58–$200+ |
| Application | Online only | Consulate / visa center |
| Invitation needed | No | Yes ($18) |
| Insurance needed | No | Yes (most countries) |
| Processing time | 4 calendar days | 5–20 business days |
| Maximum stay | 16 days | 30 days |
| Entry type | Single entry | Single / Double / Multi |
| Entry points | 29 checkpoints only | Any border crossing |
| Eligible countries | 55 countries | All countries |
| Extendable | No | In some cases |
| Business purposes | Limited | Full business visa available |
| Consulate visit | Not required | Required |
Citizens of these countries can apply for the Russian e-visa:
Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Ireland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Slovenia, Malta, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Andorra
India, China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Brunei, Mongolia, North Korea
Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Iran
Mexico, Cuba, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua
South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe
NOT Eligible for E-Visa
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries. Citizens of these countries must apply for a traditional tourist visa with a visa invitation.
The e-visa is valid at 29 designated checkpoints:
If you're not eligible for the e-visa, or need a longer stay, you'll need a visa invitation first. We deliver it by email in 5 minutes.
Tourist Invitation
From $18
Up to 30 days, single/double entry
Business Invitation
From $149
Up to 1 year, multiple entry
Check your country's eligibility or order a visa invitation to get started.
Have questions about visa invitations or the visa process? Our team is ready to help.
Dubai, UAE
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