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4 ways to enter

Russia visas

Russia transit visa

Most airport transfers of less than 24 hours do not need a visa if you stay in the international transit area and hold a confirmed onward ticket. Some airports have no international transit area.

Ways to get a Russia transit visa

  1. Airport transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Passengers making a qualifying international airport transfer of less than 24 hours with a confirmed onward ticket.

    Stay
    Less than 24 hours

  2. Transit visa

    Visa needed

    Passengers transferring at airports without international transit areas need a transit visa unless they qualify for another entry exemption.

  3. Saimaa canal passage without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Travellers passing through the Russian section of the Saimaa canal without leaving their vessel.

  4. Värska–Ulitina road passage

    Transit without a visa

    Travellers using the Värska–Ulitina road through the Russian area called Saatse Boot.

    Stay
    Continuous passage only

Who needs it

Passengers transferring at a listed airport without an international transit area need a transit visa unless another entry exemption applies.

Who doesn't

Most passengers with a confirmed onward ticket can transfer without a visa for less than 24 hours while staying in the international transit area.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
The airport transfer exemption does not cover passing through regular passport control. Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Krasnodar, Mineralnye Vody, Rostov, Sochi, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and Zhukovsky airports have no international transit areas, so a transit visa is required for transfers.
Longest transit
24 hours
Transit without a visa
The transfer must last less than 24 hours. Hold a confirmed onward ticket, remain in the international transit area and do not pass through regular passport control. This applies in most circumstances.

What to bring

  • Confirmed onward ticket for a visa-free airport transfer

Good to know

  • Stay in the international transit area when using the airport transfer exemption.
  • Do not pass through regular passport control under that exemption.
  • Exactly 24 hours is outside the stated visa-free airport transfer limit.
  • Transit visa fees, validity and application steps are not specified.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Russia?

Passengers transferring at a listed airport without an international transit area need a transit visa unless another entry exemption applies. Most passengers with a confirmed onward ticket can transfer without a visa for less than 24 hours while staying in the international transit area.

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

There are 4 options: Airport transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Transit visa (a visa from an embassy); Saimaa canal passage without a visa (transit without a visa); Värska–Ulitina road passage (transit without a visa).

How long can I stay on a Russia transit visa?

Less than 24 hours for most visa-free airport transfers.

What documents do I need for a Russia transit visa?

Confirmed onward ticket for a visa-free airport transfer.

How long can I stay in transit in Russia?

Up to 24 hours, if you meet the conditions. The transfer must last less than 24 hours. Hold a confirmed onward ticket, remain in the international transit area and do not pass through regular passport control. This applies in most circumstances.

Can I stay inside the airport in Russia without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: The airport transfer exemption does not cover passing through regular passport control. Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Krasnodar, Mineralnye Vody, Rostov, Sochi, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and Zhukovsky airports have no international transit areas, so a transit visa is required for transfers.

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

Stay in the international transit area when using the airport transfer exemption. Do not pass through regular passport control under that exemption.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit 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 transit 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 transit 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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