Troubleshooting guides for the problems travellers hit most often, plus quick answers to the common questions about getting a visa to Russia.
In-depth, answer-first help for specific situations.
The most common reasons a Russian visa is refused, and how to reapply successfully.
Read guideWho registers you, when the clock starts, and what happens if you miss the deadline.
Read guideWhat happens if you stay past your visa, and how to avoid an entry ban.
Read guideExact size, background and quality rules for consular and e-Visa photos.
Read guideRealistic timelines for the e-Visa and standard visas, plus rush options.
Read guideEmergency steps if your passport, visa or migration card goes missing.
Read guideYou do not need to own or register a company in Russia to get a business visa — here is how the invitation actually works.
Read guideWhen a layover in Moscow or another Russian airport needs a transit visa — and when it does not.
Read guideA valid visa is permission to travel, not a guarantee of entry — here is why border officers can refuse you and how to reduce the risk.
Read guideIt depends on nationality, passport type, purpose and travel dates. Current published guidance identifies 65 eVisa-eligible states and the applicable visa-free or regular-visa route for every mapped country. Use the traveler checker for the exact result.
The unified eVisa is an electronic visa for citizens of 65 eligible states. It currently permits 1 entry, has 120 days from issue, and permits a stay within 30 days from entry. The official portal provides the current application checklist. The published eVisa rule requires medical insurance, subject to any official exemption returned for the traveler.
The official e-Visa portal displays the applicable fee and any exemptions. Standard consular fees vary by nationality, visa category, processing conditions and bilateral agreements; verify the current amount with the responsible Russian mission. Commercial visa centres may charge a separate service fee.
If your regular tourist-visa route requires a tourist visa invitation letter, you can order it online. Before ordering, confirm with the responsible Russian mission that it is the correct supporting document for your nationality and trip. Other regular-visa categories have their own document routes. The published eVisa rule does not require an invitation.
The unified eVisa is processed in no more than 4 calendar days. A regular visa has no single universal processing period: timing and expedited options depend on the responsible Russian mission, nationality and visa category.
Yes. Since August 2023 the unified e-Visa is valid throughout Russia, except for restricted military or secure facilities. You must enter and exit through authorised border checkpoints.
Visa-free conditions differ by nationality and may include stay limits, passport variants or purpose restrictions. Use the traveler checker and review the linked current official entry rule before departure; do not rely on a blanket requirement for every visa-free traveler.
Find the exact steps for your nationality on your country guide, or write to our team at support@ivisa.ru.
Browse countriesTourist invitation (visa support) delivered by email. Document acceptance and format requirements may vary by consulate.
The document is issued after payment and data review. Verify local document requirements. Visa and entry decisions are made by the competent authorities.
