Whether you need a visa for Russia in 2026 – and which kind – depends almost entirely on your passport. The good news: for most travellers it is now a simple online e-visa, and dozens of nationalities need no visa at all. Use the quick guide below to find your path.
Which visa do I need? Check your passport
Citizens of 64 countries – including the entire EU, India, Indonesia, Türkiye, Mexico, Japan, Norway and Switzerland – apply online for the unified e-visa: 52 USD, approved in up to 4 days, no invitation letter or hotel booking required.
Russia e-visa guide →Citizens of the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Chinese citizens travel visa-free for up to 30 days, and much of Latin America, the Middle East and the CIS is visa-free too. Just book and fly.
Browse tours →These passports are not eligible for the e-visa. You apply for a classic tourist visa instead – it takes a few extra steps, starting with a tourist invitation letter, which we can arrange for you.
Get your invitation letter →Russian visa options at a glance (2026)
| Your passport | What you need | Cost | Time to arrange | Max stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU countries, Norway, Switzerland | E-visa | 52 USD | Up to 4 days | 30 days |
| India | E-visa | 52 USD | Up to 4 days | 30 days |
| China | No visa needed | – | – | 30 days |
| UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia | No visa needed | – | – | 90 days |
| Türkiye, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Vietnam | E-visa | 52 USD | Up to 4 days | 30 days |
| USA | Classic tourist visa + invitation | from 160 USD + fees | ~1–3 weeks | Per visa |
| UK | Classic tourist visa + invitation | ~£70 + fees | ~3–5 weeks | Per visa |
| Canada, Australia, New Zealand | Classic tourist visa + invitation | Varies by consulate | ~2–4 weeks | Per visa |
| Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, Israel | No visa needed | – | – | 90 days (in 180) |
| South Korea | No visa needed | – | – | 60 days |
| Serbia, Thailand, Jordan, Oman, Mongolia, Myanmar, Laos | No visa needed | – | – | 30 days |
Visa-free day limits are per official bilateral agreements as of mid-2026 – always confirm the current allowance for your passport on the official site of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before booking.
The three paths in more detail
1. The e-visa – online, fast and simple
Since August 2025 the unified e-visa has been valid for 120 days from issue with a stay of up to 30 calendar days – double the old limits. You apply exclusively on the official portal evisa.kdmid.ru, upload a photo and passport scan, pay 52 USD, and receive the decision within 4 calendar days. No invitation, no hotel confirmation, no consulate visit. Medical insurance covering your whole stay is required. Full details, the country list and a step-by-step application walkthrough are in our e-visa guide.
2. Visa-free entry – just book and go
Dozens of nationalities enter Russia without any visa. Gulf travellers have it easiest: UAE citizens, Qataris and – since May 2026 – Saudi citizens all get 90 days visa-free, with direct flights from Dubai, Doha and Riyadh. Chinese citizens travel visa-free for 30 days under an agreement extended through the end of 2027. One thing to know: visa-free entrants are asked to pre-register electronically at least 72 hours before arrival via the Gosuslugi ruID app – we strongly recommend doing this, and current status should be checked before travel.
3. The classic tourist visa – for US, UK, Canadian, Australian and NZ passports
These nationalities still use the traditional process: first obtain a tourist invitation letter (also called a tourist voucher – issued within minutes when ordered online), then complete the application on visa.kdmid.ru and submit it in person at a consulate or visa centre. It is more paperwork than the e-visa, but thousands of travellers complete it every month. See our dedicated guides for US citizens and UK citizens.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Russian visa cost in 2026?
The e-visa costs 52 USD (children under 6 are exempt). Classic tourist visas vary by nationality: US citizens pay 160 USD (or 185 USD for a 3-year multi-entry visa) plus service fees, UK citizens around £70 plus service fees. Visa-free nationalities pay nothing.
How long does it take to get a Russian visa?
The e-visa is processed within a maximum of 4 calendar days. Classic tourist visas typically take one to several weeks depending on the consulate and whether you choose standard or express processing.
Do I need an invitation letter for a Russian visa?
Not for the e-visa – no invitation or hotel booking is required. For the classic tourist visa (US, UK, Canadian, Australian and NZ passports) a tourist invitation letter is mandatory. We can issue one for you quickly – see our invitation letter service.
Can I visit Russia without any visa?
Yes, if you hold a passport from one of the many visa-free countries – including the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (90 days), China, Serbia, Thailand, Jordan (30 days), South Korea (60 days), and most of Latin America and the CIS. Check the table above for your passport.
Is medical insurance required for a Russian visa?
Yes. Both the e-visa and the classic tourist visa require medical insurance covering your entire stay in Russia.
All our tours – Moscow, St Petersburg, the Trans-Siberian and more – include full visa support: documents, invitation letters if you need one, and step-by-step help with your application.
Explore Russia tours 2026 →Note for US and UK travellers: your government currently advises against travel to Russia (US State Department / UK FCDO). Please read your government’s travel advice and make your own informed decision. Questions? Contact us – we answer within one business day.