Do Japanese citizens need a visa to travel to Russia?
If you’re a Japanese passport holder planning a trip to Russia, here’s what you need to know: you will need a visa for entry, regardless of the purpose of your visit (tourism, business, private, etc.).
Japan doesn’t have a visa exemption agreement with Russia for ordinary passports, so you must apply for a visa in advance.
Also, your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the expiration date of your visa.
Entry options for Japanese citizens
Japanese travelers can enter Russia by obtaining one of the following types of visas:
| Visa Type | Application Method | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Visa (eVisa) | Apply online here | 30 days |
| Regular Visa | Visa application form | Varies (usually 30 days) |
✅ Electronic Visa (eVisa)
Japanese citizens can apply for a unified eVisa, which allows entry into all regions of Russia, not just specific ones like Kaliningrad or St. Petersburg.
It’s very easy to obtain since you can apply from home via the Internet, and you don’t need to visit any consulate or visa center. You can apply up to 86 days in advance, and it’s valid for stays of up to 30 days.
You’ll receive it by email as a PDF. Just print it on A4 paper or carry it digitally on your phone.
This visa can be issued for tourism, business, humanitarian, or other purposes listed by Russian authorities.
✅ No hotel reservations or invitation letter are required.
✅ You only need travel medical insurance accepted by the Russian authorities. You can find a compliant policy here.
Read the full step-by-step guide to applying for an eVisa in this article.
✅ Regular Visa
If you plan to stay longer than 30 days or for purposes not covered by the eVisa, you’ll need to apply for a regular visa at a Russian consulate or visa center in Japan.
This visa is a sticker attached to your passport and is issued for tourism, business, private visits, study, work, etc.
To apply, you’ll need an invitation letter or visa support, which you can get here, as well as a completed application form available here.
✅ Apply no later than 90 days before your trip.
✅ Travel medical insurance is recommended (not mandatory for Japan), but highly advisable to cover medical emergencies.
You can find step-by-step guides to regular visas in this section.
Do I need to register in Russia?
Yes. If you stay at the same address in Russia for more than 7 working days, you must complete registration. Usually, your hotel or host will handle this, but if you stay in a private home, you’re responsible.
Find more info on registration here.
Immigration card
When you arrive in Russia, you’ll need to fill out an immigration card at passport control. Keep one part with you during your stay—it’ll be collected when you leave.
Details here: immigration card guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Japanese citizens need a visa to enter Russia?
✅ Yes, either an eVisa (30 days max) or a regular visa.
Is travel medical insurance mandatory?
👉 Not mandatory for Japanese citizens, but highly recommended.
Do I need an invitation letter?
✅ Not required for an eVisa. Required for a regular visa.
Where can I apply for an eVisa?
👉 Directly online at evisa.kdmid.ru.
Final tips
Traveling to Russia from Japan is straightforward as long as you arrange your visa ahead of time. The eVisa is the easiest option for short visits under 30 days, but for longer trips or different purposes, a regular visa is required.
Don’t forget that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the visa expiry date.
For official updates, you can check the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website here.