The unified e-visa is the easiest way into Russia for citizens of 64 countries: one online form, 52 USD, no invitation letter, no consulate visit – and a decision within four days. Here is everything you need to know for 2026, based on the current official rules.
Russia e-visa: the key facts for 2026
| Parameter | 2026 rule |
|---|---|
| Fee | 52 USD – children under 6 are exempt |
| Validity | 120 days from the date of issue |
| Permitted stay | Up to 30 calendar days (arrival and departure days both count) |
| Entries | Single entry |
| Application window | Earliest 86 days, latest 4 days before entry |
| Processing time | Maximum 4 calendar days |
| Where to apply | Only at evisa.kdmid.ru (official portal) |
| Invitation / hotel booking | Not required |
Requirements: what you need before applying
- A machine-readable passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry.
- A recent digital photo (plain background, uploaded during the application).
- Medical insurance covering your entire stay in Russia.
- A debit or credit card to pay the 52 USD fee online.
That is the whole list. Unlike the classic Russian visa, the e-visa requires no invitation letter, no hotel confirmation and no proof of funds.
Which countries are eligible? The 64-country list
Citizens of 64 countries can apply for the Russian e-visa in 2026. The list covers the entire European Union plus most of Asia, the Middle East and Latin America’s larger economies:
Show the full list of e-visa eligible countries (2026)
Asia & Pacific: China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Myanmar, Cambodia, North Korea.
Middle East: Türkiye, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan.
Americas: Mexico and several other countries.
Africa: Kenya, Zimbabwe.
Not on the list: USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – these nationalities apply for a classic visa with an invitation letter instead. If your country is both e-visa eligible and visa-free (for example Saudi Arabia or Oman), you don’t need any visa at all – check our visa overview.
Special guides for popular nationalities: India · UAE & Dubai residents · USA · UK.
How to apply: step by step on evisa.kdmid.ru
- Go to the official portal
Open evisa.kdmid.ru and create an account. This is the only official application site, run by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Fill in the application form
Enter your passport details, travel dates and basic personal information. Remember the timing: you can apply at the earliest 86 days and at the latest 4 days before your planned entry.
- Upload your photo and passport scan
A recent digital photo on a plain background and a scan of your passport’s data page.
- Pay the 52 USD fee
Payment is made online during the application. Children under 6 are exempt from the fee.
- Receive your e-visa within 4 days
Processing takes a maximum of 4 calendar days. Download the PDF, print a copy, and carry it together with your passport and medical insurance when you travel.
At the border and during your stay
- 30 days means calendar days: the day you arrive and the day you leave both count. A trip arriving on the 1st must end no later than the 30th.
- Biometrics on arrival: at all four Moscow airports, foreign visitors go through a short biometric check (photo and fingerprints). Children under 6 are exempt. It takes a few minutes.
- Registration is handled for you if you stay in a hotel – hotels report your stay automatically within one working day. In a private apartment, your host must register you within 7 working days.
- Cards: foreign Visa/Mastercard and Apple/Google Pay do not work in Russia. Bring cash to exchange, or open a local MIR card (a passport is enough, sometimes right at the airport).
All our tours – Moscow, St Petersburg, the Trans-Siberian, the Golden Ring – include hotels, English-speaking guides and step-by-step visa support. We’ll double-check your e-visa dates before you book.
Browse Russia tours 2026 →Russia e-visa FAQ
How much does the Russian e-visa cost?
52 USD, paid online on the official portal evisa.kdmid.ru. Children under 6 are exempt from the fee.
How long is the Russian e-visa valid?
120 days from the date of issue, for a single entry with a stay of up to 30 calendar days. Arrival and departure days both count towards the 30 days.
How long does e-visa processing take?
A maximum of 4 calendar days. You can apply at the earliest 86 days and at the latest 4 days before your planned entry date.
Do I need an invitation letter or hotel booking for the e-visa?
No. The e-visa requires no invitation, no hotel confirmation and no consulate visit – just a valid passport, a digital photo and medical insurance covering your stay.
Can US or UK citizens get the Russian e-visa?
No. The USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are not on the e-visa list. Citizens of these countries apply for a classic tourist visa with an invitation letter instead.
Where do I apply for the Russian e-visa?
Only at evisa.kdmid.ru, the official portal of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Other websites offering “Russian e-visas” are middlemen or scams charging inflated fees.
More visa guides: visa overview · invitation letter service. Unsure about your specific case? Contact us.