How to get a visa for Russia in 2026
By John Torres
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Last updated on April 20, 2026.
want to travel Russia Against the compass?
Join a group of like-minded travelers on our next scheduled tour in Russia:
14 to 20 November 2026 (Northern Siberia) – Apply now.
12 to 19 April 2027 (Abkhazia and South Ossetia) – Apply now.
21 to 28 April 2027 (Russian Caucasus) – Apply now.
Today, there is a widespread misunderstanding regarding visas for entry into Russia, that is, since Ukraine As the war begins in 2022, Russia is no longer offering tourist visas to international visitors.
Not only is this assumption wrong, but with the recent introduction of e-Visa, getting a Russia visa has become easier than ever.
This short guide will show you the different ways to get a Russia visa.
Check us out Travel guide to Russia
In this Russian visa guide, you will find:
Our experience with Russian visas
As you may know, Against the Compass offers group expeditions to remote locations. Within the Russian Federation.
In 2025 alone, we have guided visitors from the following countries: USA, UK, Canada, Spain, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Greece, Poland, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Kuwait.
All of them managed to get their Russian visas without any problems.
Don’t forget to check out our upcoming campaigns for Russia:
- 10 to 21 August 2026 (Chakotka). Sold out.
- 14 to 20 November 2026 (Arctic Russia). Apply now.
- 2 to 8 April 2027 (Arctic Russia). Apply now.
- 12 to 19 April 2027 (Abkhazia and South Ossetia). Apply now.
- 21 to 28 April 2027 (Russian Caucasus). Apply now.
How to Apply for an Electronic Visa for Russia
In 2024, Russian customs authorities made history by launching a user-friendly e-Visa portal, allowing travelers to easily get their Russia visa in just a few days.
Find the electronic visa portal. At this link.
What is the status of Russian eVisa?
This e-Visa allows you to travel in Russia for up to 30 days.
Which countries are eligible for Russian e-Visa?
All EU and Schengen countries as well as Bahrain, Cambodia, China, Japan, India, Indonesia, IranKorea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, North Macedonia, OmanPhilippines, Saudi Arabia, SerbiaSingapore, Taiwan, Turkey and Vietnam.
How long does it take to get approved?
Approximately 4 calendar days.
How much does a Russian e-Visa cost?
It costs 52 USD.
Can I use e-Visa at any point of entry?
With an e-Visa, you can enter through any international airport in Russia, however land border crossings are limited.
gave Electronic portal A list of all valid entry points.
Read our Travel Guide to Chechnya
How to Apply for a Russian Visa at the Embassy (Traditional Method)
Applying for a Russian eVisa seems easy enough, but there are some cases in which you will need to get it from your country’s embassy or consulate:
- If you are planning Travel in Russia More than 30 days
- If your country is not on the list of e-Visa eligible countries. Unfortunately, this includes the US, Canada, UK and Australia.
- If you want to get a multiple entry visa.
Don’t worry, getting your Russian visa at the embassy is very easy.
Russian Visa Embassy Requirements
1. Obtain a Letter of Invitation (LOI)
Important: Your visa will only be valid for the period specified in the LOI.
The first thing you will need is an official. Letter of Invitation (LOI)which can only be obtained through a valid tour operator in Russia.
You can easily buy online with Russian LOI. I Visa CenterFor example (they can also help you with visa).
Alternatively, we can also provide a letter of invitation to join any of our programs. Tours in Russia:
- 10 to 21 August 2026 (Chakotka). Sold out.
- 14 to 20 November 2026 (Arctic Russia). Apply now.
- 2 to 8 April 2027 (Arctic Russia). Apply now.
- 12 to 19 April 2027 (Abkhazia and South Ossetia). Apply now.
- 21 to 28 April 2027 (Russian Caucasus). Apply now.
2. Fill the visa application form.
After receiving your LOI, you can go ahead and complete the following. Online application form.
Keep in mind that the LOI must be in place before completing this form, as they will ask you for your sponsor’s details.
After submitting your form, you need to print it and bring it to the embassy.
3. Visit your respective consulate, embassy or Russian visa center.
fortunately, Russia Almost every country has embassies, all of which are fully operational, including the US, Canada, the UK and elsewhere throughout Europe.
Some embassies require an appointment, while others do not. Moreover, some prefer to delegate all visa services to their respective Russian visa center, while others require travelers to visit the actual embassy.
Either way, check your Russian embassy’s website to check their specific requirements.
These are the most common requirements:
- A printed copy of your invitation
- A printed copy of your visa application form
- Passport
- 2 passport photographs
- Valid travel insurance for travel in Russia. We suggest. Alpha Strakhani, Interworld (Website in Spanish) or Ors.
How much does a Russia visa cost?
The price varies from embassy to embassy but at the Russian Consulate in Barcelona:
- Single Entry Non-urgent Visa: 120 euros
- Single Entry Express Visa: 195 euros
- Multiple Entry Visa (6 months validity): €250
How long does it take to issue a visa?
1 – 3 weeks, depending on your visa type.
Tips on How to Apply for a Russian Visa As an American
Applying for a Russia visa as an American is not much different than applying for other nationalities, but it does offer some special features.
For example, as an American, you can only apply for one. 3-year multiple entry visa – It is only You will be eligible for the option.
Russia is huge, so this is a huge advantage if you plan to visit Russia many times.
This is a huge advantage over other passports, but it doesn’t come without its own costs, which is that they charge a 500 USD fee.
How to get your appointment at the Russian Embassy in USA
After getting your invitation letter And Online form fillingMake an appointment with one of the following consulates:
After submitting your documents to the embassy, ​​expect to receive your visa within 2-3 weeks.
I live far away from these cities. Can I apply by regular post?
Yes, you can.
If you can’t visit the embassy in person, be aware that they also accept applications by regular mail.
The whole process takes about 4 weeks.
Tips on How to Apply for a Russian Visa As a British citizen
British citizens can only apply for their visa in person. However, the visa can be collected through the postal service.
After protecting yourself invitation letter And Online form fillingyou will need to book an appointment with your nearest embassy:
- Click here. To book your appointment with Embassy in London
- Click here. To book your appointment with Consulate in Edinburgh
Allow 1 – 4 weeks to receive your visa, depending on whether you choose the standard or express service.
Tips on How to Apply for a Russian Visa As a Canadian citizen
Visas for Russia can only be applied for in person.
After getting your invitation letter And Online form fillingyou will need to book an appointment with your nearest embassy:
More information
📢 in me Travel Resources Page You can find a list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.
All guides and articles for traveling in Russia destination
Travel Guides of Former Soviet Countries
