Russia Has Issued Over One Million e-Visas
Russia has surpassed one million e-Visas issued since launching its electronic visa program in August 2023. Discover the countries eligible, new policy upgrades, and low refusal rates driving tourism and economic ties.
Russia has reached a major milestone in its efforts to open its doors to international travellers, having issued more than one million electronic visas (e-Visas) since the system was introduced. The surge reflects the high global demand, especially from travellers in Asia, for streamlined entry to the country.
An attractive system for international travellers
Launched on 1 August 2023, the Russian electronic visa allows citizens of 56 countries to visit all regions of Russia for tourist, business or family purposes. The programme is designed to simplify access to Russia, boost its tourism appeal and strengthen economic exchanges with foreign partners.
Key figures and trends
More than one million e-Visas have been issued, a number driven primarily by high demand from travellers in Asia, including China, India, as well as Estonia, Germany and Turkey.
The refusal rate remains extremely low, under 0.08 percent, debunking suggestions of difficulties in securing an electronic visa.
Top entry points used by e-Visa holders include Moscow and Saint Petersburg airports, along with certain land border crossings.
Planned extension of e-Visa validity
The Russian government plans to make entry even easier. Speaking on behalf of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed that the e-Visa validity will soon double from 60 to 120 days, while the maximum length of stay would rise from 16 to 30 days. Digitalised entry permits may also replace paper migration cards, enhancing border security.
A constantly improving system
Russian authorities underline the need for careful online form completion. Common errors include incorrect name formats, birthdates and document uploads. However, applicants can amend their filings at no extra cost if corrections are required.
Citizens of the following countries are currently eligible for the Russian e-Visa: Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Eswatini, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Myanmar, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Vatican City, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.
The milestone of more than one million e-Visas highlights Russia’s ongoing openness strategy. With further extensions in the pipeline, the country’s international appeal looks set to grow even stronger. Russia is not the only nation expanding digital visa schemes—Belarus introduced its own e-Visa regime on 20 March 2024.
