🇷🇺Russia Visa 2026: Entry Requirements
Europe and Asia· Updated 10/10/2026
Do you need a visa for Russia?
It depends on your passport. Out of 197 nationalities documented by IziVisas, 70 enter Russia visa-free, 58 obtain an e-visa or a visa on arrival and 69 must apply at a consulate before travelling.
Visa-free
70
nationalities
E-visa
58
nationalities
Consular visa
69
nationalities
Check the rule for your nationality
Pick your passport for the exact 2026 rule: fee, processing time, allowed stay and documents.
- 🇬🇧United Kingdom
- 🇺🇸United States
- 🇳🇬Nigeria
- 🇬🇭Ghana
- 🇮🇳India
- 🇵🇰Pakistan
- 🇰🇪Kenya
- 🇺🇬Uganda
- 🇿🇦South Africa
- 🇵🇭Philippines
- 🇨🇦Canada
- 🇦🇺Australia
- All nationalities
Transit visa for Russia
A transit visa exists for travellers changing planes or passing through without entering the country.
- Stay:
- 10 days
- Fee:
- 80-185 USD
Data updated on · Official source
Rules by nationality cross-checked against the official list (evisa.kdmid.ru), read on .
Pick your nationality to see the rule
Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal
Russia visa requirements by nationality
The entry regime Russia applies to the passports most often checked on IziVisas. Open a row for the fee, the processing time, the documents and the allowed stay of that exact route.
- EcuadorVisa-freeStay: 90 days within 180 days
- TunisiaVisa required
- SpainE-visaStay: 30 days
- ColombiaVisa-freeStay: 90 days within 180 days
- FranceE-visaStay: 30 days
- BeninVisa required
- ArgentinaVisa-freeStay: 90 days within 180 days
- GreeceE-visaStay: 30 days
- UkraineVisa-freeStay: 90 days
- JapanE-visaStay: 30 days
- IrelandE-visaStay: 30 days
- SenegalVisa required
- Côte d'IvoireVisa required
- CameroonVisa required
- MoroccoVisa required
- AlgeriaVisa required
- TogoVisa required
- United KingdomVisa required
- United StatesVisa required
- ItalyE-visaStay: 30 days
Russia visa types, fees and processing times
Every visa category Russia publishes, with the official fee, the allowed stay and the processing time when the source states them. Eligibility depends on your nationality: open your route for the rule that applies to your passport.
| Visa | Category | Allowed stay | Official fee | Processing time | Entries | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay (tourism) | Short stay | Portal | ||||
| Business visa | Business | 1 year | 80-185 USD | 10 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Work visa | Work | 1-3 years | 80-185 USD | 20 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Highly Qualified Specialist visa | Work | 3 years | 80-185 USD | 14 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Student visa | Study | Duration of programme | 80-185 USD | 10 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Private/family visit visa | Family | 90 days | 80-185 USD | 20 business days | Portal | |
| Transit visa | Transit | 10 days | 80-185 USD | 10 business days | Portal |
Visas
Visas from this country
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Information
Capital
Moscow
Population
144,000,000
Currency
Russian ruble (RUB ₽)
Languages
Russian
Continent
Europe and Asia
Calling code
+7
Timezone
Europe/Moscow
Area
17,098,246 km²
Government
Federal semi-presidential republic
National day
June 12 - Russia Day
Internet domain
.ru
About
Russia is the largest country in the world by area, spanning two continents. It is a nuclear power with an economy reliant on energy resources. In 2026, it faces economic challenges from sanctions and war.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Safety
Risk areas
Crime(Medium)
- Avoid isolated areas at night
- Do not display valuables
Terrorism(High)
- Follow official alerts
- Avoid crowds and public places
Transport
- Use official apps like Yandex
- Check routes
Natural risks(Earthquakes in the Far East, floods in Siberia)
- Follow weather alerts
- Prepare an emergency kit
Health(Overloaded public system, private recommended)
- Standard vaccines + Hepatitis A/B
- Comprehensive health insurance mandatory
Practical tips
- Register with the consulate
- Copy documents
- Avoid political discussions
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Cost of living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Leisure
Health
Others
Indicative prices in USD in Moscow · estimated in October 2026
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Practical information
Electricity
Emergency numbers
Practical information
Right
unsafe
10-15% in restaurants
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Photos
Russia
Lisá Yakurím
Russia
Lisá Yakurím
Russia
Dmitry Hallberg
Russia
fedoskamcha
Russia
Александр Максин
Russia
Fatih Turan
Russia
Alexandr Bondar
Russia
Denis Nazvantsev
Russia
Markus Winkler
Russia
Vitali Adutskevich
Russia
Andrei Zhukov
Russia
Serg Alesenko
Russia
Sergei Gussev
Russia
Sergey Sh
Russia
Igor K@rpov
Russia
Виктор Соломоник
Russia
Виктор Соломоник
Russia
Alyona Pastukhova
Russia
Виктор Соломоник
Russia
Ganimat Pashazade
Plan your trip
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Guides to prepare your trip
Transit visa 2026: when a simple layover requires a visa
Staying airside and crossing immigration are not governed by the same rules. When a transit visa becomes mandatory, the Schengen case, the…
Schengen Visa Travel Insurance: The 3 Official Criteria and the Pitfalls (2026)
€30,000 minimum, repatriation, full Schengen validity: what the Visa Code really requires, the mistakes that get applications refused, and…
Visa Refusal: The 10 Most Common Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Funds, home ties, insurance, inconsistencies… The 10 most common visa refusal reasons, how to avoid them, and your appeal options region by…
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Russia?▾
It depends on your passport. IziVisas documents the entry regime for Russia across 197 nationalities: 70 visa-free, 58 with an e-visa, 69 with a consular visa. Pick yours for the exact rule, with documents, fees and processing times.
Check by my nationality →How much does a Russia visa cost?▾
Fees vary by visa type and nationality. The lowest published official fee is 80 USD (Business visa). These are government fees only, providers and visa application centres add their own service charge.
Do you need a transit visa for Russia?▾
Russia issues a transit visa for travellers connecting or crossing the country without staying, valid 10 days. Conditions depend on your nationality, the length of the layover and whether you leave the airport's international zone.
Is it dangerous to travel to Russia?▾
The overall risk level is currently rated "High due to the Ukraine conflict, international sanctions, and geopolitical tensions.". See the Safety tab on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.
What currency is used in Russia?▾
The official currency is Russian ruble (RUB ₽). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.
What is the capital of Russia?▾
The capital of Russia is Moscow. The main spoken languages are: Russian.
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