Entering Russia with an eVisa

The Russian unified electronic visa (eVisa) is available to citizens of 64 government-approved countries. It simplifies the entry process by removing the need for a traditional invitation letter or hotel confirmation.

As of September 5, 2026, the eVisa is a single-entry visa valid for 120 days from the date of issue. Travelers are permitted to stay in Russia for up to 30 days from the date of entry, with both the arrival and departure days counted as full days.

Applications must be submitted through the official Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal. The application window opens 86 days before your expected entry date and closes 4 days prior to arrival.

To apply, you will need a machine-readable passport valid for at least six months from the application date, a digital image of your passport's data page, and a recent facial photograph.

When arriving in Russia, you must present several documents to border control officers. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly.

You must carry valid medical insurance that covers your entire stay in Russia, unless a specific reciprocity exemption applies to your nationality.

Entry and exit using an eVisa are permitted only through specific government-approved border crossing points. These include major international airports, seaports, and land crossings.

Upon arrival, you will undergo border checks which may include questioning and biometric collection. You will also receive a migration card, which must be completed, kept safe throughout your stay, and returned upon departure.

After entering Russia, you must be registered at your place of stay. Hotels normally handle this process within one working day of your arrival.

If you are staying in private accommodation, your host is generally responsible for registering you, typically within seven working days. Always confirm registration procedures with your accommodation provider as exceptions can apply.

The eVisa validity period and the permitted period of stay are different limits. The validity period defines when the visa can be used for entry, while the maximum stay is counted from the date you actually enter Russia. Your entire visit, including departure, must fit within both limits shown in the official notification.

Count the day of arrival and the day of departure as days of stay. Do not plan a flight that departs after midnight on the final permitted day, and leave a practical margin for cancellations or schedule changes. A disrupted flight does not automatically authorize an overstay.

Before checking in, compare the passport number, name, date of birth, visa dates and permitted checkpoint on the notification with your booking. If any identity detail is wrong, use the official portal's instructions rather than expecting an airline or border officer to correct it at departure.

Airline staff may ask to see evidence that you meet the destination's entry requirements before boarding. Carry an offline copy of the eVisa notification, insurance policy and accommodation details even if electronic presentation is accepted, because connectivity or battery problems can delay document checks.

A valid eVisa does not guarantee admission. Border authorities make the final entry decision and may ask about the purpose of travel, itinerary, accommodation, funds or onward plans. Answer accurately and keep the documents supporting your trip readily available.

If your flight is rerouted, confirm that the replacement arrival point is approved for eVisa entry before accepting the itinerary. Contact the airline and consult the official checkpoint list. Do not rely on an old blog post, saved screenshot or a travel agent's assumption when the route changes.

Check the migration card or electronic migration record details before leaving the arrival area when possible. Keep the paper portion, if issued, with your passport. It may be requested by accommodation providers, police, registration authorities or when leaving Russia.

Give your hotel or host the documents needed for migration registration and ask when the confirmation will be ready. Registration duties generally fall on the receiving party, but the traveler should verify that the process has been completed and retain the confirmation for the rest of the trip.

If you change accommodation or travel between cities, ask each receiving party whether a new registration is required. Registration timing and exceptions depend on the type of accommodation, place of stay and applicable rules, so verify the procedure rather than assuming the first registration covers every later address.