Do Maldivian citizens need a visa to travel to Russia?
If you’re a citizen of the Maldives planning to visit Russia, you’ll be glad to know that Maldivian passport holders can enter Russia visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or personal visits.
This agreement between Russia and the Maldives allows for short-term stays without needing to apply for a visa in advance. However, it’s essential to follow certain conditions.
Important: You must register in advance using the RuID app. This means providing your personal details and biometric data to generate a QR code, which you’ll present at the border when you arrive in Russia. You must do this at least 72 hours before arrival, but it’s best to complete it earlier — you can apply up to 90 days in advance.
How long can I stay in Russia without a visa?
Maldivian nationals can stay in Russia for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa. This is valid for purposes like:
- Tourism
- Visiting friends or family
- Business meetings
- Attending events
👉 If you plan to stay more than 90 days, or if you’re traveling for work, study, or other long-term purposes, you’ll need to apply for a regular visa through the Russian Embassy.
In such cases, you’ll need a visa support letter or invitation, which you can obtain here, and complete the application form at visa.kdmid.ru.
You can find detailed guidance on regular visa applications in this section.
Important documents to carry
Although you don’t need a visa for short stays, you must still:
✅ Have a passport valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from Russia
✅ Complete an immigration card upon arrival (more details below)
✅ Register your stay if you remain at the same address for more than 7 working days
Immigration card
When you arrive in Russia, you’ll be required to fill out an immigration card at the border control. This card has two parts; one will be kept by Russian authorities, and the other must stay with you during your trip.
You’ll need to present this card when leaving Russia. For a guide on how the immigration card works, visit this page.
Do I need to register my stay?
Yes. If you stay at the same address for more than 7 working days, Russian law requires you to register. If you’re staying in a hotel, they will usually handle this automatically. But if you’re staying in a private home, you or your host must arrange the registration.
You can learn more about registration requirements here.
What if I want to stay longer or for other purposes?
For stays longer than 90 days, or for purposes like:
- Work
- Study
- Long-term residence
…you will need to apply for a regular visa. This visa must be obtained at a Russian consulate before your trip.
A regular visa requires an invitation or visa support document (available here), and an application form completed at this official site.
Unlike the visa-free entry, a regular visa is a sticker attached to your passport and allows stays according to its type (tourist, business, study, etc.).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Russia as a Maldivian citizen?
👉 Not if you’re staying up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism or business.
Can I work or study in Russia under the visa-free regime?
❌ No. You’ll need a regular visa for employment or education purposes.
Do I need travel insurance?
👉 Travel medical insurance is not mandatory for Maldivian citizens but is highly recommended. You can get a valid policy here to cover any medical emergencies.
Do I need an invitation letter?
👉 Not for visa-free entry. But if applying for a regular visa, yes.
Final advice
Traveling to Russia as a Maldivian citizen is straightforward thanks to the visa exemption for short stays. Still, don’t forget important formalities like the immigration card and registration.
Even though travel insurance isn’t required, it’s a smart precaution—medical care in Russia can be expensive for foreigners.
Finally, keep in mind that official visa and entry conditions can change. For the most up-to-date information, consult the official website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.