On July 23, the Russian government announced changes to the Federal law no. 257-FZ (the Law of the Russian Federation "On the State Border of the Russian Federation" and the Federal Law "On the Procedure for Exit from and Entry into the Territory of the Russian Federation"). A press release was published on July 25 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
From August 23, 2025, Russia extends the validity of its electronic visa unified ("e-visa") from 60 to 120 days from date of issue. At the same time, the maximum length of stay authorized from 16 to 30 consecutive days. This measure aims to offer greater flexibility to travelers from the 64 eligible countries, for tourist, business or cultural stays.
The validity of the single electronic visa has been increased from 60 to 120 days, and the authorized length of stay for foreign citizens in the Russian Federation from 16 to 30 days(...). This rule will come into force on August 23.
Press release
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
Unified electronic visa (e-visa)
The application for this visa remains fully onlinewith a response time of around four days. It costs around $50, and is free for children under six. Entry to Russia is permitted only by 105 points of entry, including major airports, seaports, railway stations and land crossings. Crossing outside these points requires special authorization from the border authorities.
Visas remain single-entry This means that if you leave the country, your visa is cancelled, and you have to re-apply to return. However, the Russian authorities are planning to introduce a multiple-entry e-visa in the future, with no specific timetable.
Required documents for the e-visa application are as follows:
- Passportvalid for at least 6 months from the e-Visa application date
- Photo or selfie on neutral background
- Travel insurancerepatriation and expenses up to 35,000 $ / person
In addition, as of January 20, 2026, children under the age of 14 will be required to present a passport to enter Russia; a simple birth certificate will no longer suffice.
To sum up
- Validity of e-visa extended to 120 days from date of issue
- Maximum stay of 30 consecutive days.
- Digitized 100% procedure, with approval in electronic format or e-Visa
- Single-entry visa for the moment.
- New identification rules for children from January 2026.
- The e-Visa also applies to minors, and is free of charge for accompanied children under 6.
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