Your total cost for a Russia e-Visa is generally free. Visa application centers and websites normally have a processing fee that can range from $25 to $200 USD. Most foreign nationals who plan to travel to Russia will need to get a visa.
Some e-Visas are already available. Check out the Visa Checker Tool to see if your nationality qualifies for the Russian e-Visa Program. If not, the government of Russia is slowly working on releasing more e-Visa options for foreign nationals so check back frequently.
The Russia e-Visa Program | Price, Fees, Length of Stay, and More
How much does a visa cost?
The e-Visa for Russia most likely will be free. Processing fees may be added to help you speed through the application process and give you the convenience of not having to go to a consulate or embassy.
After I receive my e-Visa, how long do I have to use it?
The Russian e-Visa will expire after 30 days from the date of issuance. This means that you will need to enter Russia with the visa within 30 days from the issuance date or the visa will become invalid.
It is currently required to apply no less than 4 days before you travel to Russia and no more than 20 days before your intended arrival date.
Be sure to plan your trip to Russia within this time frame so you do not make the mistake of allowing your visa to expire before you can use it.
Am I allowed to cross borders into another region of Russia with a single e-Visa?
It depends on which region you enter and what the specific requirements are for that region according to Russian federal law. Most visas, though, are only good to use for the specific region that you chose to travel to.
What are the entry limits with a standard Russian e-Visa?
The Russian e-Visa is a single-entry visa. This means you are permitted entry into the Russian Federation one time. If you exit or leave Russia, you will not be allowed to re-enter the country without another visa.
What will be required to fill out a visa application for Russia?
At the bare minimum, you will need the following documents and information to fill out the online application for a Russian e-Visa:
- Health Insurance Policy - You will need to prove you have reliable health insurance coverage for the length of your stay.
- Invitation Letter - You can request an invitation letter from your Russian tour operator or the hotel or hostel you plan to stay at while in the country. In many cases, an invitation letter from a natural or legal person who currently lives in Russia is also accepted and can be used for business, study, tourism, or personal reasons. If you are lodging in different regions of Russia, you will need an invitation letter from each host of your stay.
- Valid Passport - Your passport needs to be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the last day you plan to be in Russia. Have a couple of blank pages for stamping purposes.
- Passport-Style Photo - Colored photos only, white background, ratio of 3.5 x 4.5
Which travel reasons are accepted as valid to get an e-Visa for Russia?
Currently, the Russian e-Visa can be used for various purposes: business, tourism, and humanitarian reasons (in sports, culture, science, and technology).
How many days am I allowed in Russia while holding a visa?
The e-Visa program currently allows visa holders to stay in Russia for up to 8 days from the date of entry into the country.
What is the Russian e-Visa program?
In August 2017, the Russian Federation began accepting visa applications online to help streamline their visa program for foreign nationals. This e-Visa program is currently open to citizens of 53 countries looking to travel to specific regions of Russia such as the Far Eastern Federal District, Kaliningrad, Saint Petersburg, and Leningrad Oblast.
The Russian e-Visa Program - Cost for Processing and Application
While the cost is very low or free, you will still need to acquire the correct visa or e-Visa for Russia. Some countries’ citizens can get an e-Visa for Russia now while others will have to wait.
Either way, we are here to answer your questions and help you get on the road to traveling to Russia. No matter the region, there is a visa for you.