Visa requirements

Russian Federation

General visa requirements for travelling to Russian Federation. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Tourist visa (Visa-Free Entry - CIS Countries)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay
90 days
Fee
Free
Entry
Multiple entry

Citizens of CIS countries can stay in Russia for up to 90 days without a visa under reciprocal agreements.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to citizens of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries.

    Eligible countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova (Republic of), Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Ensure passport is valid for the duration of stay.

Sign in to apply

Tourist visa (Tourist e-Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
4 calendar days
Fee
$52 USD
Validity
120 days from issue date
Entry
Single entry

The unified e-visa is valid for 120 days from issue and allows a maximum stay of 30 days. Applications must be submitted between 86 and 4 days before travel. No invitation letter or hotel booking required. Not available to US, UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand citizens.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to citizens of 64 specified countries including EU member states, China, India, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and others.

    Eligible countries: Austria, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Eswatini, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Korea (Democratic People's Republic of), Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Myanmar, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Province of China, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe

  • Purpose of visit

    For tourism, private visits, and business purposes.

    Includes
    • Tourism
    • private visits
    • business visits

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Recent digital color photo

  • Travel insurance

    Coverage area: Valid for Russian Federation; Minimum coverage: $30,000 EUR

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Electronic Visa Application; Form url: https://evisa.kdmid.ru/

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete the online application form on the official Russian e-visa portal.

  2. Document gathering

    Prepare digital copies of passport bio page and recent color photo.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay the $52 USD e-visa fee online.

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing. Applications are typically processed within 4 calendar days.

  5. Visa collection

    Receive e-visa electronically via email. Print and present upon arrival.

Sign in to apply

Business visa (Business e-Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
4 calendar days
Fee
$52 USD
Validity
120 days from issue date
Entry
Single entry

Same requirements as tourist e-visa. No invitation letter required for e-visa business category.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to citizens of 64 specified countries.

    Eligible countries: Austria, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Eswatini, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Korea (Democratic People's Republic of), Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Myanmar, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Province of China, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe

  • Purpose of visit

    For business meetings, conferences, and trade activities.

    Includes
    • Business meetings
    • conferences
    • negotiations
    • trade exhibitions

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Recent digital color photo

  • Travel insurance

    Coverage area: Valid for Russian Federation; Minimum coverage: $30,000 EUR

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Electronic Visa Application; Form url: https://evisa.kdmid.ru/

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete the online application on the e-visa portal, selecting business purpose.

  2. Document gathering

    Prepare digital passport copy and photo.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay the e-visa fee online.

  4. Processing wait

    Wait 4 calendar days for processing.

  5. Visa collection

    Receive e-visa via email.

Sign in to apply

Student visa (Student Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
90 days
Processing time
4-20 working days
Fee
Approximately $100-$200 USD
Entry
Single entry

Initial student visa valid for 90 days, can be extended for one year and renewed throughout studies. CIS country citizens do not need a visa. Requires acceptance from Russian educational institution and HIV test certificate.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    For full-time study at accredited Russian educational institutions.

    Includes
    • Full-time university studies
    • language courses
    • vocational training
  • Age

    Must be at least 18 years old for work permit during studies.

    Min age: 18

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 18

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Passport-size color photo

  • Travel insurance

    Coverage area: Valid for Russian Federation; Minimum coverage: $30,000 EUR

  • Admission letter

    Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Official invitation from Russian educational institution

  • Medical certificate

    Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

    Required tests: HIV blood test (taken within 3 months before application); Validity months: 3

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Russian Student Visa Application Form; Form url: https://visa.kdmid.ru/

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain admission letter and official invitation from Russian university.

  2. Online application

    Complete student visa application online.

  3. Appointment booking

    Schedule embassy/consulate appointment.

  4. Document submission

    Submit all documents including passport, admission letter, HIV certificate, and insurance.

  5. Fee payment

    Pay student visa fee.

  6. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing.

  7. Visa collection

    Collect passport with student visa.

Sign in to apply

Transit visa (Transit Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
3 days
Processing time
10-15 business days
Fee
$50-$100 USD
Entry
Single entry

Transit visa required if stay exceeds 24 hours or changing airports. Valid for max 3 days by air, 10 days by train. NOT required if staying in international transit area less than 24 hours with confirmed onward ticket.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    For passing through Russia en route to third country destination.

    Includes
    • Transit through Russia to another country

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Passport-size color photo

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Russian Transit Visa Application Form; Form url: https://visa.kdmid.ru/

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain confirmed flight/train tickets showing transit through Russia.

  2. Online application

    Complete transit visa application.

  3. Appointment booking

    Schedule embassy appointment.

  4. Document submission

    Submit passport, application, confirmed tickets, and visa for final destination (if required).

  5. Fee payment

    Pay transit visa fee.

  6. Processing wait

    Wait for processing.

  7. Visa collection

    Collect transit visa.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa - General)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
10-20 business days
Fee
$150-$250 USD
Validity
Up to 1 year (renewable)
Entry
Multiple entry

Requires work invitation from Russian employer and work permit. Can be renewed throughout employment period.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    For employment with Russian companies or organizations.

    Includes
    • Full-time employment
    • contract work
    • professional services
  • Employment

    Must have confirmed employment offer from Russian employer.

    Required status: Employment contract or job offer from Russian company

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Passport-size color photo

  • Travel insurance

    Coverage area: Valid for Russian Federation; Minimum coverage: $30,000 EUR

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Work invitation from Russian employer registered with Migration Police

  • Medical certificate

    Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

    Required tests: General health examination, may include HIV test; Validity months: 3

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Russian Work Visa Application Form; Form url: https://visa.kdmid.ru/

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes

  • Work permit notification

    Provide work permit approval, notification or authorisation evidence from the relevant authority.

    Issuing authority: As required by issuing authority; Permit number: Required in invitation

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Employer obtains work permit from Russian Migration Service.

  2. Online application

    Complete work visa application.

  3. Appointment booking

    Book consulate appointment.

  4. Document submission

    Submit passport, work invitation, medical certificate, and other documents.

  5. Fee payment

    Pay work visa fee.

  6. Processing wait

    Wait for processing.

  7. Visa collection

    Collect work visa.

Sign in to apply

Tourist visa (Tourist Visa - Embassy Required)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
10-15 business days (normal) / 3-5 business days (expedited)
Fee
$50-$100 USD (normal) / $150-$300 USD (expedited)
Entry
Multiple entry

Required for countries not eligible for e-visa, including US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Requires official Letter of Invitation (LOI) from accredited Russian tour operator. Valid for single or double entry. Delays common during May-August.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    For tourism and leisure travel purposes.

    Includes
    • Tourism
    • sightseeing
    • leisure

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Passport-size color photo

  • Travel insurance

    Coverage area: Valid for Russian Federation; Minimum coverage: $30,000 EUR

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Official Letter of Invitation (LOI) from accredited Russian tour operator or hotel

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Russian Tourist Visa Application Form; Form url: https://visa.kdmid.ru/

  • Hotel booking

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must cover full stay: Yes

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain official Letter of Invitation from accredited Russian tour operator.

  2. Online application

    Complete online visa application form.

  3. Appointment booking

    Schedule appointment at Russian embassy or consulate.

  4. Document submission

    Submit passport, application form, photo, invitation letter, and supporting documents.

  5. Fee payment

    Pay visa processing fee.

  6. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing.

  7. Visa collection

    Collect passport with visa from embassy/consulate.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Highly Qualified Specialist Work Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
Faster than standard work visa
Fee
$150-$250 USD
Validity
Up to 3 years
Entry
Multiple entry

New Skilled Visa Programme effective April 15, 2026. For professionals in science, business, industry, education, culture, and sports. Salary threshold of RUB 1 million required. No Russian language test or immigration quota. Pathway to 3-year temporary residency or permanent residency. Family members can obtain visas.

Eligibility

  • Employment

    Must have job offer in high-value sector with minimum annual salary of RUB 1 million.

    Required status: Employment in science, business, industry, education, culture, or sports with salary ≥ RUB 1,000,000/year

  • Purpose of visit

    For highly skilled professionals in designated sectors.

    Includes
    • Specialized employment in science
    • business
    • industry
    • education
    • culture
    • sports

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Passport-size color photo

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Work invitation from Russian employer for highly qualified position

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Highly Qualified Specialist Visa Application; Form url: https://visa.kdmid.ru/

  • Professional license

    Accepted licenses: Professional qualifications and credentials for specialized field; Must be translated: Yes

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Submit qualifications and documents digitally through authorized agency from home country.

  2. Processing wait

    Agency reviews application and qualifications.

  3. Document submission

    If approved, submit documents at Russian embassy/consulate for business visa.

  4. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee.

  5. Visa collection

    Receive one-year business visa with immediate work rights.

Sign in to apply

Business visa (Business Visa - Embassy Required)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
10-15 business days
Fee
$150-$200 USD (normal) / up to $400 USD (expedited)
Validity
Up to 3 years
Entry
Multiple entry

Business visas can be issued for up to 3 years with unlimited entries/exits. Requires official business invitation from Russian company registered with Migration Police or Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Electronic invitation (telex) or paper invitation letter accepted.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    For business meetings, conferences, negotiations, and commercial activities.

    Includes
    • Business meetings
    • conferences
    • trade negotiations
    • commercial contracts

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Passport-size color photo

  • Travel insurance

    Coverage area: Valid for Russian Federation; Minimum coverage: $30,000 EUR

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Official business invitation from Russian company registered with Migration Police or Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Must include official seal, legal address, registration details, authorized signature, purpose of visit, dates, and invitee names.

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Russian Business Visa Application Form; Form url: https://visa.kdmid.ru/

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain official business invitation from Russian host company.

  2. Online application

    Complete business visa application online.

  3. Appointment booking

    Book appointment at Russian embassy or consulate.

  4. Document submission

    Submit all required documents including passport, invitation, and insurance.

  5. Fee payment

    Pay the business visa fee.

  6. Processing wait

    Wait for processing.

  7. Visa collection

    Collect visa from embassy/consulate.

Sign in to apply

Transit visa (Airport Transit - Visa Free (Under 24 Hours))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay
1 days
Fee
Free
Entry
Single entry

No visa required for international airport transit under 24 hours if passenger remains in international transit area and holds confirmed onward ticket. Must not clear passport control or leave transit zone.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    For airport transit connections under 24 hours without leaving international transit area.

    Includes
    • International airport transit

Documents you need

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: No

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Ensure you have confirmed onward flight ticket departing within 24 hours from same airport.

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.