RUSSIAN VISA: e-Visa, regular visa, or can I travel visa-free?

1. Visa to Russia

In this section I will keep you informed about the visa policy for traveling to Russia. The visa to Russia is an authorization for a foreign citizen to enter the territory of the Russian Federation. Currently, citizens of 142 countries require a visa to enter Russia. It can be of two types: electronic visa or regular. Some nationalities do not need a visa to travel to Russia.

Electronic Visa (e-visa) for a Maximum Stay of 30 Days


  • I explain step-by-step how to obtain the electronic visa. Citizens of 64 countries can apply for this type of visa. Unfortunately, citizens of the United States, Canada, Great Britain or Australia cannot apply for an electronic visa.
  • It is very easy to obtain since you can apply from your home via the Internet and you don’t need to visit any consulate or visa center. However, you can apply as early as 86 days before the start of your trip and the maximum stay is 30 days.
  • You receive it via email as a PDF file and only need to print it in A4 format or carry it on your mobile device. This type of visa can be for tourism, business, or humanitarian purposes. 
  • You will not need hotel reservations or an invitation. All you will need is a travel insurance accepted by the Russian authorities.

How to apply for a Russian e-Visa

Result: A PDF Document in A4 Size

A step-by-step guide explaining the requirements for obtaining the electronic visa to Russia, how to complete the electronic form, and what documentation you will need.

Travel Medical Insurance for Russia in 5 Minutes

Result: A PDF Document in A4 Size

I explain how to quickly obtain travel medical insurance for Russia that is valid for entry into the country with either your electronic visa (or e-visa) or your traditional/regular visa.

Regular Visa (Paper) for Stays Over 30 Days


  • Step by step guides on how to obtain the regular visa. This type of visa can be requested by citizens of any nationality and allows for longer stays than the electronic visa.
  • The most common regular visa is the tourist visa, although there are also business, private, study, transit, humanitarian, or work visas, depending on the purpose of your trip.
  • This type of visa must be applied for at Russian consulates or visa centers in your country, no later than 90 days before the start of your trip.
  • Unlike the electronic visa, this is a visa that is attached to your passport and to obtain it, you must have an invitation or visa support letter.

How to apply for a regular visa to Russia

Result: A sticker in your passport

A step-by-step guide explaining the requirements for obtaining a regular visa to Russia, how to complete the online application, and what documentation you’ll need to provide.

Invitation to Russia in 5 minutes

Result: A4 size PDF document

To obtain a regular visa, you will need a letter of invitation, also known as a visa support, tourist voucher, or tourist invitation.

Travel to Russia visa-free


  • Can you travel to Russia Visa-free? Yes. Currently, citizens of around 60 countries do not need a visa to enter Russia. These are countries with good diplomatic relations and visa exemption treaties with Russia.
  • I’ll explain the conditions of this visa exemption, as well as the documentation you need to bring.
  • South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, ChileColombiaEcuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela
  • Central America and the Caribbean: Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Jamaica.
  • Africa: South Africa.
  • Asia: Thailand and Hong Kong.
  • Europe: Serbia.