When you begin to plan your Russian trip as a citizen of Estonia, you will need to figure out a way to get a visa. Some countries are allowed to get an online visa, which works the same as a paper visa. As of now, citizens of Estonia will need to get a paper visa from a consulate or embassy.
Russia is updating its e-Visa program all the time, and we hope to be able to provide you with an online option for getting a visa as soon as possible. Until then, check out our Visa Checker Tool.
The Russia e-Visa Program | Common Questions & Answers
How long will it take to receive an e-Visa once I have applied?
You need to apply at least 4 days before your trip to Russia as it can take at least that long for a visa operator to process your request.
How long do I have to use my visa before it expires?
You will have 30 days from the Date of Issuance to enter Russia and use your visa.
Some officials say that 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.
How long does it usually take to process an e-Visa application for the Russian Federation?
Usually, it takes no longer than 4 days to receive an e-Visa, but this depends on your visa operator and their e-Visa program requirements.
If I arrive in one region of Russia, will I be allowed to travel to other regions?
Each major region of Russia requires a specific visa for that region. Depending on your circumstances and security levels, you may be able to go to other regions after getting a visa for the area. Some cities are closed off to international travelers who do not have special permits for restricted cities.
What will I need in order to fill out the Russia e-Visa application?
Each visa application, as well as entry in Russia will require:
- 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 - It needs to have a white background and your picture must be a colored photo, not a black and white one. Do not alter your official photo.
- Invitation Letter - You should be able to acquire one from the hotel or hostel you are staying in. If you have booked a Russian tour of the region, the tour agency should also be able to provide one. Staying with friends or family? As long as they are Russian citizens currently residing in your region of choice, they can send you an invitation letter also. A PDF version is standard.
- Health Insurance Policy - You will need to prove you have reliable health insurance coverage for the length of your stay.
How does the Russia e-Visa program work for foreign nationals?
In August 2017, the Russian Federation began accepting visa applications online to help streamline their visa program for foreign nationals. Over 50 countries’ nationals are currently allowed to apply for the visa program online.
Once citizens of Estonia are allowed to apply for an electronic visa for Russia, it will be released on iVisa’s website. Then we can help you more to figure out the best way to apply.
Will I have to obtain international medical insurance to travel to Russia?
It is required for you to prove you have medical insurance to travel to Russia. This is for your safety and to keep you from getting into trouble with the local authorities if you are unable to pay for care.
What are the entry and exit requirements for holding a Russian e-Visa?
The e-Visa program currently allows visa holders to stay in Russia for up to 8 days from the date of entry in the country. You will need to plan a departure trip out of Russia before the 8 days are up.
What kind of entry restrictions does the Russia e-Visa have?
The Russian e-Visa is a single entry visa. So if you exit Russia after using the e-Visa to enter, you will not be allowed back in unless you obtain another, separate visa.
Get a Russia Visa | Citizens of Estonia
Getting a visa can be difficult. But we at iVisa always post the latest e-Visa programs on our site to make it fast and easy for you to get what you need as soon as possible. Citizens of Estonia can apply for many types of e-Visa programs right now.
When Russia allows Estonians to apply online for a visa, it will be on our site.
Have a great trip to Russia.