Russia E-Visa Program to Launch in July

Maxim Reshetnikov, the Russian Minister of Economic Development, has announced that an electronic visa application system for Russia will finally launch in 2023. 

An E-visa for Russia was first announced in 2020, when the government passed a law that would allow citizens of over 50 countries to apply for a Russian visa online. It was due to come into effect in 2021.

The implementation of the E-visa system was ultimately delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, President Vladimir Putin recently ordered the relevant authorities to reintroduce the Russian E-visa for citizens of countries considered “friendly” to Russia.

Reshetnikov has confirmed that the E-visa system will be implemented before July 15, once some technical issues with the interior and digital ministries have been resolved.

Details of the New Russian E-Visa

According to Russia’s visa policy, the Russian E-visa permits a single entry and a total stay of up to 16 days in the country. It allows the holder to travel to Russia for either tourism and leisure, or business purposes.

To obtain the E-visa for Russia, eligible applicants only need to complete a simple online form with basic information. They also need to pay a processing fee to submit their request.

Unlike a traditional Russian visa application, there is no need to submit supporting documents such as an invitation letter or proof of accommodation bookings.

The application can be submitted up to 40 days before but no later than 4 days before the intended entry date to Russia. The processing time will be roughly 4 calendar days.

Once processed, the successful applicant will receive their approved E-visa for Russia sent by email. They will then need to make a printout or save a digital copy on their mobile device to present to border control on arrival in Russia.

An approved Russian E-visa has a total validity of 60 days from the date of approval. The holder will be required to enter Russia within this timeframe to enjoy their 16-day stay.

The E-visa’s Prospective Impact on Russian Tourism

Designed to modernize the country’s visa application process, the E-visa system demonstrates Russia’s drive to adapt to the digital era and to optimize travel facilitation.

The system is predicted to ease entry procedures and reduce waiting times at customs, fostering a more appealing travel environment for international visitors.

The advent of the e-visa program also has the potential to significantly boost Russia’s tourism sector. By simplifying the visa acquisition process, it may foster increased international visitation, bolstering the country’s economy.

Travel experts are predicting that individual tourists will begin to show renewed interest in visiting Russia.  This is because those eligible for the online visa application procedure will not be required to travel in groups, attend in-person embassy interviews, or compile extensive documentation.

While the list of nationalities that will be eligible for the Russian E-Visa has not yet been clarified, it is expected to be announced within the next month. We will publish the full list on this site as soon as it is available.