Until the e-Visa program for Russia is ready for citizens of Iceland, you may have to get your visa by going in person to your nearest consulate or embassy and filling out a paper application. Over 50 countries have access to Russia’s e-Visa program, and they are adding more countries as they expand the program.
The Visa Checker Tool is a great resource for Iceland citizens to find out what e-Visa programs are available to them. Bookmark that page and come back frequently to find out when Russia’s e-Visa program extends to you.
The Russia e-Visa Program | Frequently Asked Questions
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
Am I allowed to enter Crimea or Ukraine with a Russian e-Visa?
Russia still enforces its visa policy within Crimea, so it is likely that you can travel there. It is recommended to verify with your Russian connections whether or not it is allowed as the state of politics is volatile at the moment.
Traveling to Ukraine requires foreign citizens to follow Ukraine’s visa policy. Use our Visa Checker Tool to see if you are required to get a visa for Ukraine.
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.
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 travel, tourism, and humanitarian reasons (in sports, culture, science, and technology).
Am I allowed to cross borders in 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 in the Russian Federation one time. If you exit or leave Russia, you will not be allowed to reenter the country without another visa.
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.
Once citizens of Iceland 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.
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 in the country.
Citizens of Iceland | The Russian e-Visa Program
We understand that it can seem difficult to get a visa for Russia. While there are a lot of requirements, if you plan ahead, you can get one easily. Once the online program is expanded, Iceland residents will then be able to apply from home for a Russian visa.
Until then, if you have any questions let us help you. Chat with us right here on the website or email us, and we will get back with you as soon as possible.
Have a great trip to Russia.