Russia's e-Visa vs the Traditional Invitation Visa

Russia's unified e-Visa made short trips far simpler for citizens of 64 eligible countries — but it does not replace the traditional visa for every traveller.

What the e-Visa offers

The e-Visa is applied for online with no invitation letter. It allows up to 16 days of stay within a 60-day validity window and is single entry.

Where it falls short

• Single entry only — no leaving and re-entering.
• Maximum 16 days of stay.
• Not available to every nationality.

When you still need an invitation visa

If you want to stay longer than 16 days, enter more than once, or you are not from an eligible country, you need a standard tourist or business visa with an invitation. That is where our visa support comes in.