As a foreign citizen, most people will need to get a visa to enter Russia. Depending on the type of visa that you apply for, the duration of the visa will change. Many e-Visas for Russia grant you a stay of for up to 8 days from the date of entry in the country.
Russia started their e-Visa, or electronic visa, program years ago and are slowly adding new nationalities to the list every day. You can use the Visa Checker Tool to see if your country qualifies for the Russian e-Visa program.
The Russia e-Visa Program | Length of Stay, Expiration Date, and More
What is the duration of stay in Russia with an e-Visa?
The e-Visa program currently allows visa holders to stay in Russia for up to 8 days once you enter the country and go through customs.
What is the expiration date after the date of issuance for an e-Visa for Russia?
The Russian e-Visa will expire after 30 days from the Date of Issuance listed on your visa. 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.
What type of entry regulations does a Russian e-Visa have?
The Russian e-Visa is a sing 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 reenter the country without another visa.
Can you explain more about 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 the 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.
Once citizens of Albania are allowed to apply for an electronic visa for Russia, it will be released on iVisa’s website. Until then, we can help you figure out the best way to apply.
What are the different reasons that are acceptable for a Russian e-Visa?
Currently, the Russian e-Visa can be used for various purposes: business travel, tourism, and humanitarian reasons (in sports, culture, science, and technology).
Will I be able to jump from region to region with an 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 choose to travel to.
What documents and information are required to fill out a Russia e-Visa application?
You will need the following no matter your reason for traveling:
- 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
- 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.
- Health Insurance Policy - You will need to prove you have reliable health insurance coverage for the length of your stay.
The Russia e-Visa | Duration Based on Visa Type
No matter the duration, you will most likely need a visa to enter Russia. While some countries are visa-exempt, many foreign travelers will need to get a visa to enter sections, or regions, of Russia. Sometimes, you need a separate visa per region, so make sure you get all the visas you need.
When the e-Visa is released, you will be able to access it on iVisa.