Do Iranian citizens need a visa to travel to Russia?
Yes—if you’re traveling with an ordinary Iranian passport, you’ll need a visa to enter Russia. Only holders of diplomatic or service passports are exempt (up to 30 days). For everyone else, a visa is mandatory, whether your visit is for tourism, business, study, or other purposes.
👉 Important: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the expiration date of your Russian visa.
Visa options for Iranian travelers
As an Iranian citizen, you have two main pathways to enter Russia:
✅ Electronic Visa (eVisa) – quick and convenient for short stays
✅ Regular (traditional) visa – required for longer stays or certain purposes
Applying for the electronic visa (eVisa)
Fortunately, Iranian citizens are eligible to apply for the Russian eVisa, which simplifies the process significantly.
Key facts about the eVisa:
- Valid for up to 30 days inside Russia
- Can be used for tourism, business, humanitarian, cultural, scientific, or sports events
- No consulate visit needed—apply completely online
- Approved eVisa is delivered by email as a PDF
- No invitation letter or hotel booking required
- You can submit your application up to 86 days before your trip
👉 I’ve prepared a detailed step-by-step guide to applying for the Russian eVisa.
👉 Apply directly at evisa.kdmid.ru.
💡 Travel insurance is mandatory for Iranian citizens when applying for both the eVisa and regular visa. You’ll need to present proof of valid insurance. You can get an approved policy here.
Applying for a regular visa
If you plan to stay longer than 30 days or your trip’s purpose isn’t covered by the eVisa, you’ll need a regular visa.
How to apply for a regular visa:
- Obtain a visa support letter (invitation)—available here.
- Fill out the online visa application form at visa.kdmid.ru.
- Submit your documents at the Russian embassy or visa center in Iran—see locations here.
- Pay the visa fee and wait for processing.
This type of visa is stamped into your passport and grants a longer or more specialized stay. The most common is the tourist visa, but visas for business, study, work, private visits, or humanitarian reasons are also available.
Arrival in Russia
Upon entering Russia:
✅ You’ll need to complete an immigration card at passport control (learn more here)
✅ If you stay more than 7 working days at the same address, you must register your visa (how to register)
Visa comparison table
| Visa Type | Validity | Application Method | Invitation Letter? |
|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa | 30 days | Apply online | ❌ Not required |
| Regular visa | Varies | Visa application form | ✅ Required |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Iranian citizens need a visa to visit Russia?
Yes, a visa is required for Iranian ordinary passport holders.
Can Iranians apply for the Russian eVisa?
Yes, Iran is eligible for the eVisa program.
Is travel insurance required for Iranians?
Yes, travel medical insurance is mandatory for both the eVisa and regular visa applications.
Do I need an invitation letter for the eVisa?
No invitation letter is needed for the eVisa.
How long can I stay in Russia with an eVisa?
Up to 30 days per entry.
Final tips
For most Iranian tourists, the eVisa is the fastest and simplest way to enter Russia—but remember that travel insurance is compulsory, so secure your policy before applying.
Always check the latest entry rules on the official Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website here.