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Russia E-Visa: The Complete Guide 2026
The unified Russian e-visa lets citizens of 64 countries visit Russia for up to 30 days without going to a consulate. Here is everything you need to know — eligibility, cost, current rules, and how to apply step by step.
Last updated: July 2026 · Verified against evisa.kdmid.ru
Russia e-visa at a glance
What is the Russian e-visa?
The unified electronic visa (e-visa) is a single-entry visa issued fully online through the official portal of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It covers tourism, business trips, humanitarian purposes and guest visits — no consulate appointment, no original documents, no invitation letter required.
Introduced nationwide in August 2021, the e-visa became significantly more attractive on August 23, 2025, when Russia extended its validity from 60 to 120 days and doubled the permitted stay from 16 to 30 days. In 2026 it is the fastest and cheapest way to visit Russia for eligible nationalities.
What trips does the e-visa cover?
Tourism
Sightseeing, holidays, visiting cities and regions across Russia — the most common purpose.
Business
Negotiations, meetings, conferences and short business trips without a business invitation.
Guest visits
Visiting friends or relatives — no notarized invitation from your host needed.
Humanitarian
Sports, cultural, scientific events and short educational activities.
What changed in 2025–2026
- August 23, 2025 — e-visa validity extended from 60 to 120 days from the date of issue.
- August 23, 2025 — permitted stay doubled from 16 to 30 days from the date of entry.
- The current amount payable and any applicable exemption are shown on the official portal during the application.
- The eligible country list keeps expanding — check the current list before you plan.
- Since 2026 visa-free entrants are covered by the separate RuID pre-registration system — e-visa holders do not need RuID.
Deep-dive guides
Three detailed guides that answer every e-visa question
E-Visa Countries List
Full directory of 60+ eligible nationalities with a dedicated application guide for each country.
Open the countries listE-Visa vs Regular Visa
Side-by-side comparison: cost, processing time, stay duration, entries — and when you must choose the regular visa.
Compare visa typesApplication Step-by-Step
Every screen of the official portal explained: photo requirements, form fields, payment, and what to print.
Follow the walkthroughWhen the e-visa is NOT enough
- You are a citizen of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia or another non-eligible country.
- You plan to stay longer than 30 days.
- You need multiple entries (e.g., side trips to neighboring countries and back).
- You travel for work, long-term study or journalism.
- Your entry point is not on the list of e-visa border crossings.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Russian e-visa cost in 2026?
The current amount payable and any applicable exemption are displayed on the official Russian MFA portal during the application. Check the amount before payment.
How long can I stay in Russia on an e-visa?
Up to 30 days from the date of entry. The visa itself is valid for 120 days from the date of issue, so you can enter any time within that window.
Do I need an invitation letter for the e-visa?
No. The e-visa requires no invitation, no hotel confirmation and no original documents. An invitation letter is only needed for the regular (consular) visa.
How fast is the e-visa issued?
Within 4 calendar days, including weekends and holidays. Apply no earlier than 120 days and no later than 4 days before your trip.
Can US, UK, Canadian or Australian citizens get the e-visa?
No. These nationalities are not on the eligible list and must obtain a regular visa through a consulate, which requires a visa invitation letter — we issue those online from $19.
Can I extend the e-visa or convert it into a longer visa inside Russia?
No. If the e-visa does not fit the required stay or number of entries, choose the appropriate regular-visa route. The visa category and supporting document must match the actual trip purpose.
Which border crossings accept the e-visa?
Entry and exit are permitted only through authorised checkpoints. Verify the exact checkpoint on the official evisa.kdmid.ru list before travelling.
Do e-visa holders need RuID pre-registration?
No. RuID applies to visa-free entrants only. E-visa and regular visa holders are exempt from RuID.
Not eligible for the e-visa?
Get an official Russian visa invitation letter online after payment and data checks — subject to the current requirements of the consular office handling the application. Tourist and business invitations from $19.