Embassy
Embassy of Russia, Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Russia visa requirements for American citizens
American citizens need a visa for Russia, from its embassy or consulate.
Passport
USA
United States
Going to
RUS
Russia
Visa needed
A visa for people visiting Russia on holiday.
- Visa
- Required
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
Special rules for American citizens in Russia
- 72-hour visa-free transit for international cruise ship/ferry passengers only if travelling with an organized tour and accompanied at all times by a tour operator.
- Russia signed the "Shared Values Visa" law on August 19, 2024, aimed at simplifying the residence permits for citizens of countries that do not conform to Russia's traditional spirit and values.
- This means that one can obtain a three-month temporary residency without passing the exam.
- The focus of this law is to simplify the residence permit for foreign citizens with traditional Russian spirit and values.
- As long as they comply with Russian values, foreign citizens do not need to prove their knowledge of Russian language, Russian history, or Russian law (without examination), and can obtain a temporary residence permit for three months.
What to do
Find Russia's embassy or consulate that covers where you live.
Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
Book an appointment early; processing can take several weeks.
Get your Russia visa sorted
A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.
Ways into Russia
Choose a tourist visa, eVisa or visa-free entry.
Visa requiredTourist visaA visa for people visiting Russia on holiday.
How to apply
- Get confirmation from a registered Russian tour company.
- Fill in and print the form at visa.kdmid.ru.
- Submit your papers and pay the fee.
- Collect your passport and check the visa.
Documents required
- Passport with 2 blank pages
- Passport valid 6 months after visa
- Printed visa form
- Passport photos, 35 × 45 mm
- Tour company confirmation
- Health insurance unless exempt
- Travel insurance
- Follow your visa dates; ask the consulate how many photos to bring.
- With multiple entries, stay at most 90 days in each 180 days.
Sources (25)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Russian Foreign Ministry Consular Department: issuing visas
- Russian Foreign Ministry: entry conditions by nationality and passport, labelled September 2026
- Russian Foreign Ministry: medical insurance and HIV certificates
- Russian Foreign Ministry: migration card
- Official application form for consular visas
- Official unified electronic-visa instructions
- Official unified electronic-visa information portal
- Official electronic-visa eligible-country list
- Official electronic-visa frequently asked questions
- Russian Embassy in Denmark: visa application procedure
- Russian Embassy in Denmark: ordinary tourist visa
- Russian Embassy in Denmark: ordinary transit visa
- Russian Embassy in Denmark: business visas and medical treatment
- Russian Embassy in Denmark: ordinary study visa
- Russian Embassy in Denmark: ordinary work visa
- Russian Embassy in Denmark: private visa categories
- Russian Embassy in Denmark: visiting a close relative in Russia
- Russian Embassy in Denmark: visiting a non-relative
- Russian Embassy in Denmark: illness, hospitalisation and death of relatives
- Russian Embassy in Denmark: ordinary humanitarian visa
- Russian Embassy in Denmark: traditional-values relocation visa
- Russian Embassy in Iceland: tourist and hotel-confirmation visas
- Russian Embassy in Iceland: transit visa and airport exemption
- Russian Embassy in Iceland: citizenship, passports and visa checks
- Russian Embassy in Iceland: relocation scheme eligibility and documents
Embassies for this trip
Book an appointment before you go.
Consulate general
Consulate-General of Russia in New York City
New York
Consulate general
Consulate General of Russia, Seattle
Seattle
Coming from United States
- Plugs C FAdapter needed
- MoneyRUB ₽
- Time+15h
- DrivingOn the rightSame as home
- LanguageRussian
- Emergency102 or 112 police103 or 112 ambulance
Planning your Russia trip
- Red Square, the Kremlin and St Basil's CathedralThese are among Moscow's main historic sights.
- Moscow MetroThe city's underground railway is known for its beautiful stations.
- Hermitage MuseumThis is one of Saint Petersburg's best-known visitor attractions.
- Royal palaces near Saint PetersburgThe former rulers' grand palaces stand in the city's suburbs.
Scams to watch for in Russia
- Pickpocketing in crowdsThieves take money, phones or documents while people are crowded together or distracted. Pushing at train doors can make it harder to notice someone reaching into a pocket or bag.
- Unofficial taxi overcharging and inflated metersAn unofficial driver charges far more than expected. In Moscow, a meter may use an invented, inflated rate. In Kazan, taking a random terminal cab without agreeing a price can cost much more than booking ahead.
- Street currency exchange scamsUnofficial money changers use various tricks during cash exchanges. A street offer gives you little protection if the amount or deal changes.
About Russia
Russia is a federal state spanning northern Eurasia and the largest country in the world by area.
- Capital
- Moscow
- Money
- Russian ruble (₽)
- Languages
- Russian
- Time zone
- 9 time zones
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +7
Other Americas passports
Going to Russia
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Russia with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Are there special rules for American citizens visiting Russia?
Do American citizens need to register with the police in Russia?
Registration required after 7 business days.
Do american citizens need a visa for Russia?
American citizens need a visa for Russia, from its embassy or consulate.
Where do I apply for a Russia visa?
At Russia's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Book an appointment early, as it can take several weeks.
Does a US, UK or Schengen visa help american citizens enter Russia?
We have no record of Russia relaxing its rules for american citizens who hold another country's visa. Check with the embassy before you rely on one.
Do russian citizens need a visa for the United States?
Russian citizens need a visa for the United States, from its embassy or consulate.
Do other Americas passports get easier entry to Russia?
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Belize, Bolivia Brazil, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Russia are easier for american citizens?
Moldova, Ukraine, Albania, Andorra Austria, and 3 more let american citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to Russia?
Find Russia's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
What money is used in Russia?
Russian ruble (₽). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in Russia?
Russian.
How strong is the United States passport?
It ranks #12 and reaches 150 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck