Russia starts issuing e-visas to foreigners

Citizens of 55 foreign countries can obtain an electronic visa to enter the Russian Federation through border checkpoints from August 1. The application is submitted online at website MFA.

A photograph and a scan of the passport page must be attached to the application. The visa gives the right to a single entry to Russia on a guest or business visit, as a tourist, as well as to participate in scientific, cultural, socio-political, economic, sports events.

The term for issuing a visa is no more than four days. The visa will be valid for 60 days from the date of issue, it allows you to stay in Russia for 16 days. “Unfriendly” countries can also issue a document. You can submit an application no earlier than 40 days and no later than four days before the expected date of entry into Russia. The cost of a visa on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not indicated, TASS writes that you will need to pay $52 for registration.

Launch of e-visas from 1 August earlier supported Russian President Vladimir Putin. Online e-visa processing was supposed to start in 2021. However, the launch of the system was postponed due to the pandemic.

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed orderwhich expands the list of border checkpoints where foreign citizens can use a single electronic visa.