Visa policy of Russia
The visa policy of Russia deals with the requirements of foreign nationals to enter Russia.
Despite international sanctions during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia continues to issue visas to citizens of all countries. A summary of visa requirements for citizens of each country is available online in Russian.
Russia exempts citizens from many countries from obtaining a visa, although an Electronic Travel Authorization with a QR code from the Gosuslugi mobile app is required in these cases. If a visa is required, depending on country of origin, some people may obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa); while others must apply for a visa at a diplomatic mission of Russia or visa center. A holder of a visa to enter Belarus may also enter Russia with such visa; however, this policy does not apply to Belarusian e-visas.
Types of visas available for issuance include private, business, tourist, educational, working, transit, humanitarian, service, and diplomatic. The length and terms of visas depend on the nationality of the recipient and other personal circumstances. Multi-year tourist visas are available to citizens of the United States (3-year visa, 6 months per visit with an unlimited number of visits) and the European Union (5-year visa).
The Russian visa is a machine-readable document that is stickered to a page in the holder's passport. It includes characters in both the cyrillic script and Latin alphabet.
To apply for a visa, a passport, a passport photo, a tourist invitation letter (can be purchased online), and a printed completed application form are required.
At any border crossing, foreigners may be questioned, have their biometrics taken, including fingerprints and photos, and are subject to search of baggage and mobile phone content, including contact lists, correspondence, and posts on social media. Officers focus on contact with Ukrainians, and any opinions on politics and the Russo-Ukrainian war.
Transporting any amount of currency of countries in the European Union (EU), including Euros, directly to Russia from EU countries such as Estonia and Latvia is prohibited by the EU.
Crimea is under de facto Russian control and the visa policy of Russia applies for travel to Crimea. Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia are internationally recognized as part of Ukraine, and, although they are at least partially or sometimes controlled by Russia, the visa policy of Ukraine applies to travel to these regions.
Upon entering Russia, a visitor will receive a migration paper; this paper must be returned upon leaving the country or a fine must be paid. Replacements can be obtained from the police.
If a visitor who requires a visa loses his or her passport while in Russia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can issue a Return-Home certificate after receipt of a letter from the embassy of such visitor; otherwise, the visitor must apply for an exit visa. Staying in Russia past the expiration date of a visa requires a court decision for deportation.