NOTE: This guide was last updated in January 2025. Please check the authenticity and validity of the information in this article before proceeding with your visa application. Use Timatic and the official sources we provided on this page for the most up-to-date information.

Russia is a vast Eurasian country with an area of 17.1 million km² (6,601,665 mi²). The largest country in the world, Russia is home to a distinct fauna and different climates. Whether you’re seeking a paradisiacal summer holiday or a snowy winter expedition, Russia offers you all!

Keep reading our detailed visa guide for more information about obtaining a Russian visa!

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Russia?

Russia does not require the citizens of the members of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Latin American nations, and several other countries to hold a Russian visa to visit the country. Plus, visitors from many other countries, including EU citizens, only need an e-visa to enter Russia.

Citizens of about 60 nations are not asked for a visa to visit Russia, given that their stay does not exceed the predetermined period starting from the first day of entry. Furthermore, the passport holders of Belarus, South Ossetia, and Ukraine have the freedom of movement within Russia.

You can check the official page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation to see the list of countries whose passport holders are exempt from a visa.

Did you book a flight to Russia?

Haven’t you booked your flight ticket yet? Pegasus Airlines flies to three different destinations in Russia: Kazan, St. Petersburg, and Moscow. Pick the perfect destination for your journey and secure your flight now! You can also check our Russia travel guide for insightful tips and an overview of must-see attractions. You may also be interested in these articles: Moscow Travel Guide St. Petersburg Travel Guide Krasnodar Travel Guide Kazan Travel Guide Grozny Travel Guide

Russia Visa Types

Different types of visas for entry to the Russian Federation are as follows: tourist visa, business visa, private visa, work visa, student visa, humanitarian and transit visa. Single, double or multiple-entry visas distinguish the holder’s term of stay. Visa holders cannot stay in Russia longer than 90 days in periods of 180 days unless stated otherwise.

E-visa can be obtained by citizens of listed countries for restricted travels and on single-entry terms within 16 days. If the objective of your trip does not correspond to any of the mentioned e-visa types, please apply for a traditional (non-electronic) visa at authorised diplomatic missions.

Type C (Short-term Stay) Visa

A short-term visa is issued for predetermined periods in line with the applicant’s request for stays that do not exceed a maximum of 90 days. Russia visa applications can be processed from authorised diplomatic missions or delegated visa processing centres in one’s country of residence.

Russia Tourist Visa

Russian tourist visas are issued to third-country nationals who are obliged to obtain entry visas to travel to the country for tourism and entertainment purposes. Tourist visa holders can remain in Russia for up to 30 days.

Russia Visa for Business and Fair Visits

A business visa is granted to foreign nationals who wish to visit Russia solely for business reasons, whether it requires the applicant to attend a conference or engage in commercial activities. Travellers can stay in the country for up to three months with single or double-entry visas. However, a multiple-entry business visa with a validity of one year or five years can be obtained if the applicant is able to prove the necessity of frequent travel.

Russia Visa for Visit to Family, Relatives and Friends

Travels to the Russian Federation by third-country nationals with the intention of visiting family, relatives or friends shall refer to the private visa category.  The application must be supported by a private invitation from relatives or friends in Russia. A private visa is valid for periods of up to 90 days.

Russia Visa for Cultural, Sports Activities and Participation in Conferences

Foreign travellers are asked to obtain a humanitarian visa to enter Russia in order to participate in cultural or sports-related events. An official invitation letter provided by the host organisation in Russia is mandatory. The single and double-entry humanitarian visa allows its holder to stay in Russia for up to 90 days. The multiple entry visa, on the other hand, can be valid for 1 to 3 years, although it does not mean a long-term residence permit.

Russia Visa for Short-term Education and Traineeship

Foreign travellers who would like to visit Russia for short-term education or training purposes can obtain a short-term student or work visa, which will be valid for up to 90 days. An official invitation letter from the prospective employer or education institution based in Russia is mandatory to apply for such a visa.

Type D (Long-term Stay) Visa

A long-term visa grants its holder the right to visit Russia for periods extending to 90 days. Acquisition of this visa requires the applicant to demonstrate reasonable grounds.

Third-country nationals who wish to remain in Russia to work for a given period are required to apply for a work visa. Experts, artists or scholars can obtain a work visa if it is approved by the Ministry of Interior. Foreigners who would like to extend their stay in Russia must apply for a residence permit before the expiry date of their visa.

Students who wish to study in Russian education institutions shall apply for a short-term student visa and then extend this visa once in Russia. An admission letter from the Russian high education institute is among the requirements for applying for a long-term student visa.

The visa is granted for a maximum of one year with multiple entry possibilities; however, applying for a residence permit is mandatory for long-term stays.

General Requirements to Apply for a Russia Visa

Tourist visa requirements for the Russian Federation are explained in detail below. Remember that the required documents may differ depending on the term and purpose of your stay, hence the category of your visa. The Consulate always reserves its right to ask for additional documents.

Russia Visa Applications

1. Standard "Tourist Confirmation" and "Tourist Voucher" from Russian travel agency,
2. A passport or travel document with at minimum two blank pages, valid for at least six months and for at least 90 days after the end of travel. Copy of the first page, including personal data and previous visas if obtained,
3. Completed and signed visa application form along with two biometric photos not older than 6 months,
4. Cover letter specifying the purpose of visit, dates of arrival and departure, cities to be visited in Russia and telephone or facsimile number where you can be reached,
5. Documentation of travel health insurance, which will be valid in Russia for the entire period of stay.

What Is a “Tourist Voucher” or a “Tourist Confirmation”?

Visitors who wish to travel to Russia for tourism purposes need an invitation from a tour group, travel agency, or hotel in order to prove that their purpose of visit is travel.

Russia Visa Rules

• Biometric fingerprinting of all foreign citizens is mandatory for the visa application process.
• Dual citizens also holding Russian citizenship must enter and leave Russian territory with a Russian passport.
• An immigration card shall be filled out upon arrival at the Russian airports. An immigration card consists of two identical pieces, and one must be kept by the traveller until the end of the trip to safely leave the country. Be aware that many hotels wouldn’t accept guests without an immigration card.
• Applicants who are requesting long-term tourist or work visas may be asked to go through an HIV/AIDS test.

Russia Visa Requirements

In addition to the above-mentioned application documents, general requirements include the following:

Russia Visa for European countries

Nationals of the EU member states need a visa to visit the Russian Federation. For short-term visits with the purpose of tourism, visitors may apply for an e-visa.

Russia Visa requirement for US, UK, and Canadian citizens

The citizens of the UK, the US, and Canada are not exempt from visa requirements for travel to the Russian Federation. A passport that is valid for at least six months after the travel date is required. Passengers who are on a cruise or ferry are entitled to stay in Russia for up to 72 hours, even if they do not hold a visa. But they must have booked their trip via a licensed travel agency.

Visa Fees

Russian visa fee may change depending on the type of visa and country of application. The visa fee comprises the processing costs by the Consulate and the service fee unless stated otherwise. Also, beware that the fee is non-refundable, which means that the rejection of your application will not be reimbursed.

Visit the official page of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the USA regarding visa fees for the most recent and updated information.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get cheap tickets for Russia?

Do not forget to follow up with our seasonal campaigns, as Pegasus Airlines provides occasional special fares to its passengers and gives them the opportunity to fly at greatly reduced prices throughout the year.

Why should I visit Russia?

Russian Federation sparkles interest with its rich historical and cultural background, which formulates its own authentic civilization. The best way to discover all the features of this fascinating culture in depth is obviously by visiting it.

When is the best time to visit Russia?

Russian Federation is famous for its harsh winter conditions when the temperatures drop down to -30. In order to avoid the cold temperatures, most visitors travel to the country from May to September.

What is the time zone of Russia?

There are eleven local time zones in Russia due to the country's enormous size. The capital city Moscow is located within the standard time zone of GMT+3. Additionally, Russia does not implement daylight saving time; therefore, make sure to check the local time of the Russian city you’ll be travelling to.

Which countries are requested a visa in order to visit Russia?

Almost all countries are entitled to visa rules and regulations to visit the Russian Federation. Make sure to contact the Russian Embassy or Consulate in your country in order to have your visa issued in advance.

What is the currency used in Russia?

The Russian ruble is the national currency used in the country.