Russia aligns classic visa fees with e-Visa costs amid EU shifts
Russia raises classic visa fees to match e-Visa costs for EU and other European travelers following suspension of simplified visa agreements.
On 13 December, the State Duma adopted a law suspending certain provisions of Russia’s international visa‑facilitation agreements with citizens of the EU, Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Classic visa fees now equal e‑Visa rates
The above countries had unilaterally suspended their simplified‑visa arrangements with Russia. Under the new law, European travellers will pay higher classic consular fees set by the Russian government’s resolution on consular charges. These fees will now range between US$50 (€43.34, the standard e‑Visa price) and US$300 (€260.02), tripling visa‑fee revenue as explained in the bill’s accompanying note.
For context, Russia no longer operates visa centres in France. The e‑Visa grants stays of up to 16 days (15 nights) on a single entry at most land, sea and air entry points.
Some visa benefits remain
While hiking fees, the legislation also restricts visa‑free entry for diplomats and removes visa preferences for official delegations, national and regional government members, constitutional and supreme‑court justices, and EU‑based journalists from the affected countries. Nevertheless, certain facilitations are retained.
Examples of preserved facilitations:
The maximum visa‑free stay for nationals of a handful of countries remains unchanged.
Bilateral agreements continue to ease exchanges between Russia and specific European partners.
