Travelers planning a trip to Russia will soon benefit from a major update to the country’s electronic visa (e-visa) policy. Starting August 23, 2025, the validity of the Russian e-visa will double from 60 to 120 days, and the maximum stay allowed will increase from 16 to 30 days.
This change offers travelers greater flexibility and makes longer trips to Russia more feasible, whether for tourism, business, or cultural purposes.
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Understanding the Russian E-Visa
Russia introduced its e-visa system in August 2023, enabling citizens from 64 countries to apply online for entry. The visa is entirely digital and was previously valid for a 60-day period with a maximum stay of 16 days.
The application is straightforward, fully online, and typically processed in about 4 days.
What’s Changing on August 23, 2025?
- Validity Period: Extended from 60 days to 120 days
- Maximum Stay: Increased from 16 days to 30 days
- Application: Remains online and paperless at evisa.kdmid.ru
- Processing Time: Still approximately 4 days
- Fee: Around $50, free for children under six (excluding bank fees)
- Documents Needed: Digital passport scan, ID photo, and travel details
- Entry: Allowed only through 105 designated checkpoints
Applicants will still need to carry a printed or digital copy of their approved e-visa for airline and border checks.
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Access Points and Limitations
Entry is permitted only through 105 officially designated checkpoints, including international airports, seaports, rail stations, and certain land borders. Off-route entries require authorization from the Federal Security Service of Russia.
Currently, the e-visa is single-entry only, but that may change.
A Step Toward Multiple Entry Access
Russia is exploring the idea of multiple-entry e-visas. In June 2025, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov confirmed that discussions are ongoing, though no timeline has been announced. If implemented, this could benefit travelers who move between Russia and neighboring countries frequently.
Who Can Apply for the Russian E-Visa?
Citizens from the following countries are eligible in 2025:
Andorra, Austria, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China (including Taiwan), Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, DPRK (North Korea), 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, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Vatican City, Vietnam, Zimbabwe.
Why Russia Is Making This Change
This update is part of Russia’s broader strategy to boost inbound travel and business despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. Over 1.2 million travelers have already used the e-visa system since its launch in 2023, with high usage from China, India, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Estonia, and Turkey.
By increasing both validity and stay length, Russia aims to attract more long-term visitors while keeping border security protocols intact.
How to Apply for the E-Visa
- Visit evisa.kdmid.ru
- Create an account and fill in your travel details
- Upload required documents (passport scan, ID photo)
- Pay the fee (~$50)
- Receive your e-visa within four working days
- Print or save the QR code for use at airports and borders
Conclusion
Russia’s updated e-visa policy starting August 2025 is a traveler-friendly move that increases flexibility for tourists and business visitors. With extended validity and a longer permitted stay, visiting Russia just became easier for over 60 nationalities.
