Travellers planning a trip to Russia have something to look forward to: a major update is coming to the Russian electronic visa (e-Visa) program, extending both its validity and stay duration, giving visitors more time to stay and explore.
Effective August 23, 2025, the validity of the Russia e-Visa doubles from the existing 60 to 120 days, and the maximum permitted stay also grows from 16 to 30 days. For those who love to plan extended journeys or want a bit more leeway, this is a big, positive shift.
Understanding the Russian e-Visa
Russia’s e-Visa system first rolled out widely in August 2023. This online visa allows travellers from 64 countries to visit Russia for tourism, business, or cultural purposes. It’s easy to apply, fully digital, and lets you stay up to 16 days.
What’s New with the Russian e-Visa? (From August 23, 2025)
Until now, the Russian e-Visa was valid for 60 days, with a maximum stay of 16 days. That’s changing.
- Validity: Now 120 days (previously 60).
- Maximum Stay: Up to 30 consecutive days in Russia (previously 16).
- Application: Fully online and paperless via the official portal. No invitation letter or hotel booking is needed.
- Processing Time: Usually 4 calendar days.
- Fee: Around $50 for most, free for children under six (excluding bank charges).
So, if you’re planning a longer visit for tourism, business, or a cultural exchange, you’ve now got more breathing room.
Entry Points
Access is permitted only through officially designated border checkpoints, 105 in total, covering major international airports, railway stations, seaports, and certain land borders. “Off-route” crossings remain possible only with explicit permission from Russia’s Federal Security Service.
Why This Change Matters
This isn’t just a technical update, it’s a strategic shift. According to Russian authorities, over 1.2 million travellers have already used the e-Visa since it went fully live in 2023. The biggest users?
- China
- Saudi Arabia
- Germany
- Turkey
- India
- Estonia
Extending both the visa validity and the allowed stay gives travellers more flexibility. For Russia, it’s a calculated move to make the country more accessible, without compromising on border security.
A Possible Step Toward Multiple Entries?
Right now, the e-Visa only allows a single entry. Leave the country, and you’ll need a new visa to return. But that may change.
Russia’s Minister of Economic Development, Maxim Reshetnikov, said in June that a multiple-entry e-Visa is on the table. No timeline yet, but the idea is gaining traction.
This could be a game-changer for business travellers and regional explorers looking to bounce in and out of Russia without reapplying every time.
How the E-Visa Works
If you’ve never applied before, the process is straightforward:
- Where to apply: evisa.kdmid.ru.
- Documents required: Fill out the application online by uploading a digital passport scan and ID photo, and travel info.
- Processing time: Usually 4 calendar days.
- Cost: ~ USD 50 (free for kids under 6, minus bank fees).
- Travel to Russia within your visa’s 120-day validity period,
- Stay up to 30 consecutive days on Russian soil.
It’s a fully online process, no embassy visits or consulate lines. Also, you do need to bring a physical or digital copy of your approved e-Visa for airline and border checks.
Eligible Countries: Who Can Apply for a Russian E-Visa in 2025?
Eligible nationalities are a crucial detail for any planner. As of now, citizens from the following 66 countries can apply for a unified Russian e-Visa. Here’s the complete list;
- Andorra
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Bhutan
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- China (including Taiwan)
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Eswatini (Swaziland)
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Myanmar
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Saint Lucia
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Vatican City
- Vietnam
- Zimbabwe.
Why Russia Is Doing This Now
The timing isn’t accidental. Russia is still dealing with international tension, but it also clearly wants to encourage more inbound travel and business. By doubling the visa validity and allowing longer stays, it’s signalling openness, within limits.
In short, the country is walking a fine line: easing travel access while maintaining strict border controls.
Bottom Line
If Russia’s been on your list, August 23 marks a real opportunity. The longer stay window makes trips more worthwhile, whether you’re heading there for business, tourism, or just to satisfy curiosity about a country few visit casually these days.
Keep in mind the single-entry rule and border crossing limitations. But overall, this is a smart, traveller-friendly update, especially for those coming from one of the 66 eligible countries.
Russia just got a bit easier to visit. Now it’s up to you to decide where to go.
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