Russia is celebrating a significant achievement in its efforts to modernize its migration system, announcing that it has issued over one million electronic visas (e-Visas) in less than two years since the service’s launch in August 2023.
This milestone underscores the program’s success and the strong international interest in visiting the Russian Federation.
One Million E-Visas Issued
On April 5, 2025, the millionth e-Visa was granted to a Chinese tourist, symbolizing both the rapid adoption and the growing importance of digital entry solutions in Russia’s tourism strategy.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that nearly 78% of all visas issued since the e-Visa system began were processed electronically. Officials see this as a clear signal that simplicity, speed, and online access are key drivers of demand.
What Is the Russia e-Visa?
The Russian e-Visa is a unified online visa that allows citizens of selected countries to travel to Russia for tourism, business, or private visits without needing to visit an embassy or consulate.
- Application method: 100% online
- Processing time: Usually within 4 days
- Entry points: Valid for entry through designated airports, seaports, and land borders
This streamlined process makes Russia more accessible than ever—especially for travellers looking for short-term stays without paperwork hassles.
Eligible Countries for Russia e-Visa
The Russian e-Visa is currently available to citizens of the following 64 countries:
Asia: China, India, Japan, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam
Europe: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Vatican
Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Jordan
Others: Mexico, Singapore, Bhutan, Cambodia, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Turkmenistan
Documents Required for Russia’s e-Visa
To apply for a Russian e-Visa, you’ll need:
- A valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)
- A recent digital passport-size photo
- Travel details, including intended dates and address in Russia
- Travel insurance covering the duration of your stay (recommended but not always mandatory)
How to Apply for a Russian e-Visa
- Visit the official Russian e-Visa portal: evisa.kdmid.ru
- Select your nationality and purpose of visit
- Fill out the application form with personal, passport, and trip details
- Upload your photo
- Submit the form and wait for confirmation (usually within 96 hours)
- Receive your e-Visa by email and print a copy or save it digitally for border control
Russia e-Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Russian e-Visa is typically around four days, but it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates to account for any potential delays.
Russia Plans to Extend e-Visa Validity
Currently, the Russian e-Visa allows for:
- 60-day validity from the date of issuance
- Maximum stay of 16 days
However, Russian authorities are preparing to extend the visa validity to 120 days, with a longer maximum stay of 30 days. This will give travellers more flexibility—ideal for longer sightseeing trips or extended business engagements.
Russia and Belarus: Unified Visa Travel Zone Introduced
In a move toward regional integration, Russia and Belarus implemented a mutual visa recognition agreement in January 2025. Now, travellers holding a valid Russian or Belarusian visa can freely move between both countries, provided they enter through the country that issued the visa.
Why Asia Is Leading the e-Visa Boom
The majority of recent e-Visa applicants come from Asian countries, especially China and India. This growth is supported by:
- Improved air connectivity
- Relaxed health restrictions post-pandemic
- Strong promotional campaigns targeting Asian travellers
With digital platforms replacing traditional visa systems, Russia is positioning itself as an easy-access destination for short-term travellers from key growth markets.
More Automation and Easier Entry
Russia is also considering replacing paper-based migration cards with a fully digital entry authorization system. This shift will further reduce paperwork, speed up border control, and enhance security monitoring.
These modernizations are part of a larger push to make visiting Russia more efficient while maintaining tight security controls.
Final Thoughts
Russia’s expansion of the e-Visa program signals a deliberate move toward accessible, tech-driven tourism. With digital convenience, expanded stay periods, and regional cooperation with Belarus, the country is becoming a more attractive option for global travellers.
Still, entry remains regulated and subject to approval, travellers must meet all eligibility and documentation requirements.
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