Embassy
Embassy of Russia, London
London
Russia visa requirements for British citizens
British citizens need a visa for Russia, from its embassy or consulate.
Passport
GBR
United Kingdom
Going to
RUS
Russia
Visa needed
A visa for people visiting Russia on holiday.
- Visa
- Required
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
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.
Coming from United Kingdom
- Plugs C FAdapter needed
- MoneyRUB ₽
- Time+11h
- DrivingOn the rightLook left first
- 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 Europe passports
Going to Russia
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Russia with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Do british citizens need a visa for Russia?
British 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 british citizens enter Russia?
We have no record of Russia relaxing its rules for british 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 Kingdom?
Russian citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom, from its embassy or consulate.
Do other Europe passports get easier entry to Russia?
Andorra, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova Montenegro, and 2 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Russia are easier for british citizens?
Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Albania Andorra, and 3 more let british 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 Kingdom passport?
It ranks #7 and reaches 155 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck