Russia Extends e-Visa Validity and Permitted Stay to Boost Tourism
From August 23, 2025, Russia’s unified e-visa will be valid for 120 days and allow stays of up to 30 days for travelers from 64 eligible countries.
On July 23, the Russian government announced amendments to Federal Law No. 257-FZ—Russia’s laws governing state borders and entry-exit procedures—and published a press release on July 25 via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
Effective August 23, 2025, Russia is extending the validity of its unified electronic visa (e-visa) from 60 to 120 days from the date of issue. Simultaneously, the maximum permitted stay increases from 16 to 30 consecutive days. The change is designed to offer greater flexibility to travelers from 64 eligible countries for tourism, business, and cultural visits.
Increasing the validity of the unified e-visa from 60 to 120 days, and the duration of permitted stay for foreign citizens in the Russian Federation from 16 to 30 days (...) This rule enters into force on August 23.
Press Release
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
Unified Electronic Visa (e-Visa) Details
The application process remains fully online, with a typical processing time of about four days. The visa fee is approximately $50, free for children under six. Entry into Russia is allowed only through 105 designated entry points, including major airports, seaports, rail stations, and land crossings; unauthorized points require special border authority permission.
Currently, the e-visa is single-entry only: departure from Russia invalidates the visa, requiring a fresh application to re-enter. However, Russian authorities are considering the future introduction of a multiple-entry e-visa, though no timeline has been set.
The required documents for an e-visa application are:
Passport valid for at least six months from the e-visa application date
Traveler’s photo or selfie on a neutral background
Travel insurance, including repatriation and medical coverage up to $35,000 per person
Additionally, beginning January 20, 2026, children under 14 must present a passport to enter Russia; birth certificates will no longer suffice.
Key Changes to Note
e-Visa validity extended to 120 days from the date of issue
Maximum stay increased to 30 consecutive days
Fully digital process with electronic approval or e-Visas
Single-entry visa for now; multi-entry option under review
New child identification rules taking effect January 20, 2026
e-Visas also issued to minors; free for children under six when accompanied
En tant que chargée de relation client, mes missions sont la gestion et le suivi des demandes de visas. Je reste informée des actualités concernant les nouvelles formalités de voyage ainsi que les spécificités des nouveaux visas.
