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10 ways to enter

Russia visas

Russia tourist visa

Tourists may qualify for visa-free entry or a tourist visa. Citizens of 19 listed countries can get a simplified tourist visa using an accommodation booking.

Ways to get a Russia tourist visa

  1. Freedom of movement

    No visa needed

    Citizens of Belarus and South Ossetia have freedom of movement.

    Stay
    Freedom of movement

    Passports that qualify (1)

  2. Visa-free entry for up to 90 days

    No visa needed

    Travellers from the listed countries qualify. For Estonia and Latvia, the exemption concerns holders of alien passports and non-citizen passports. Abkhazia is also listed.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days, subject to the applicable annual or rolling-period limit.
    1. Obtain an ETA (an online travel permit) through the Gosuslugi mobile app.
    2. Have the permit's QR code ready for entry.

  3. Visa-free entry for up to 60 days

    No visa needed

    Citizens of Cape Verde, the Dominican Republic, Mauritius, Samoa and South Korea qualify.

    Stay
    Up to 60 days, subject to applicable limits on repeat visits.
    1. Obtain an ETA (an online travel permit) through the Gosuslugi mobile app.
    2. Have the permit's QR code ready for entry.

  4. Visa-free entry for up to 30 days

    No visa needed

    Citizens of the listed countries and holders of qualifying travel documents from Macau can enter under the 30-day exemption.

    Stay
    Up to 30 days, subject to applicable purpose and repeat-visit limits.
    1. Obtain an ETA (an online travel permit) through the Gosuslugi mobile app.
    2. Have the permit's QR code ready for entry.

  5. Visa-free entry for up to 14 days

    No visa needed

    Citizens of Brunei and Nauru, and travellers covered by the Hong Kong exemption, qualify.

    Stay
    Up to 14 days

    Passports that qualify (3)

    1. Obtain an ETA (an online travel permit) through the Gosuslugi mobile app.
    2. Have the permit's QR code ready for entry.

  6. Temporary 30-day visa exemption

    No visa needed

    Citizens of China and Vietnam qualify during their temporary exemption periods.

    Stay
    Up to 30 days

    Passports that qualify (2)

    1. Obtain an ETA (an online travel permit) through the Gosuslugi mobile app.
    2. Have the permit's QR code ready for entry.

  8. Visa-free Iranian tour group

    No visa needed

    Citizens of Iran travelling in a group of 5 to 50 people qualify when accompanied by a representative of a tour operator registered in both Russia and Iran.

    Stay
    Up to 15 days per trip, with no more than 90 days within any 180-day period.

    Passports that qualify (1)

    1. Join a group of 5 to 50 people through a tour operator registered in both countries.
    2. Travel with the operator's representative.

  9. Visa-free ferry visit

    No visa needed

    International tourists arriving by regular ferry through participating ports qualify if they meet the overnight accommodation rule.

    Stay
    Up to 72 hours

  10. Visa-free cruise excursion

    No visa needed

    Tourists arriving on tourist cruise ships can go ashore without a visa on tours organised by an authorised local tour company.

    Stay
    Up to 72 hours

Who needs it

Tourists who do not qualify for a visa exemption need a visa.

Who doesn't

Listed nationalities can enter without a visa for different lengths of stay. Separate exemptions cover qualifying Iranian tour groups and some cruise and ferry passengers.

How to apply

  1. Check whether your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry and its stay limit.
  2. If travelling visa-free, obtain an ETA (an online travel permit) with a QR code through the Gosuslugi mobile app.

What to bring

  • ETA with a QR code for visa-free entry

Good to know

  • Visa-free travellers may generally stay for no more than 90 days within a calendar year, unless an international agreement or Russian law allows otherwise.
  • Leaving Russia and returning does not reset a visa-free stay allowance.
  • Foreign visitors need special permission to enter closed cities and restricted areas.
  • Some nationalities have additional limits measured over 60, 180 or 365 days.
  • Visa exemption agreements with San Marino and Micronesia have been signed but have not entered into force.
  • Estonian and Latvian exemptions concern holders of alien passports and non-citizen passports.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for Russia?

Tourists who do not qualify for a visa exemption need a visa. Listed nationalities can enter without a visa for different lengths of stay. Separate exemptions cover qualifying Iranian tour groups and some cruise and ferry passengers.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for Russia?

There are 10 options: Freedom of movement (no visa at all); Visa-free entry for up to 90 days (no visa at all); Visa-free entry for up to 60 days (no visa at all); Visa-free entry for up to 30 days (no visa at all); Visa-free entry for up to 14 days (no visa at all); Temporary 30-day visa exemption (no visa at all); Simplified ordinary tourist visa (a visa from an embassy); Visa-free Iranian tour group (no visa at all); Visa-free ferry visit (no visa at all); Visa-free cruise excursion (no visa at all).

Who can go to Russia without a tourist visa?

Citizens of Belarus and South Ossetia have freedom of movement. Travellers from the listed countries qualify. For Estonia and Latvia, the exemption concerns holders of alien passports and non-citizen passports. Abkhazia is also listed. Citizens of Cape Verde, the Dominican Republic, Mauritius, Samoa and South Korea qualify. Citizens of the listed countries and holders of qualifying travel documents from Macau can enter under the 30-day exemption. Citizens of Brunei and Nauru, and travellers covered by the Hong Kong exemption, qualify. Citizens of China and Vietnam qualify during their temporary exemption periods. Citizens of Iran travelling in a group of 5 to 50 people qualify when accompanied by a representative of a tour operator registered in both Russia and Iran. International tourists arriving by regular ferry through participating ports qualify if they meet the overnight accommodation rule. Tourists arriving on tourist cruise ships can go ashore without a visa on tours organised by an authorised local tour company.

How long can I stay on a Russia tourist visa?

Visa-free visits generally range from 14 to 90 days, depending on nationality.

What documents do I need for a Russia tourist visa?

ETA with a QR code for visa-free entry.

How do I apply for a Russia tourist visa?

1. 1. Check whether your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry and its stay limit. 2. 2. If travelling visa-free, obtain an ETA (an online travel permit) with a QR code through the Gosuslugi mobile app.

What rules do I have to follow on a Russia tourist visa?

Visa-free travellers may generally stay for no more than 90 days within a calendar year, unless an international agreement or Russian law allows otherwise. Leaving Russia and returning does not reset a visa-free stay allowance. Foreign visitors need special permission to enter closed cities and restricted areas.

Does my passport change whether I need a tourist visa for Russia?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Russia visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a tourist visa for Russia be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Russia tourist visa rules?

On Russia's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

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