🇷🇺 Russia visa requirements

Most Western passports need a visa for Russia. You won't get a visa on arrival.

Who Can Actually Enter Russia Without a Visa?

This is where most people get it wrong. US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and most EU passports definitely require a visa. Don't even think about showing up without one. You'll be turned around. Serbia and a few South American countries have visa-free access for short stays, usually 90 days in a 180-day period. For everyone else, a visa is a non-negotiable first step. The process isn't complicated, but it takes time. Factor in at least 2-4 weeks for processing, sometimes longer depending on your local consulate's backlog. You'll need an invitation letter, which most hotels or private agencies can provide.

How Long Can You Actually Stay?

Standard tourist visas are typically issued for 30 days. Some allow for double entry, meaning you can leave and re-enter Russia within the visa's validity period. This is a critical detail. If your visa is single-entry and you leave, say, to visit Kazakhstan, you cannot come back into Russia on that same visa. You'd need a new one. Overstaying is where things get serious. While the exact fines can vary and aren't always consistently applied, expect penalties that can include hefty fines and deportation, potentially banning you from re-entering Russia for 5-10 years. The system relies on exit stamps. Make sure your passport gets stamped when you leave. Missing stamps can cause issues even if you haven't technically overstayed.

Working Remotely on a Tourist Stamp: A Legal Guessing Game

Can you work remotely from Russia on a tourist visa? Technically, no. Tourist visas are for tourism. Engaging in any form of paid work, even if it's for a company outside Russia and you're just using your laptop, is not permitted. That said, enforcement is… inconsistent. Most digital nomads I know who've spent time in Russia on tourist visas haven't had issues. They work from cafes or co-working spaces, keep a low profile, and don't advertise their remote work situation. The risk is real, though. If you draw attention for some other reason, or if authorities decide to look closer, you could face trouble. It's a calculated risk, and one you take at your own peril. Don't rely on this being a permanent solution.

What's New with Russian Visas?

Russia has been rolling out an eVisa system for several years, and it's been gradually expanding. As of late 2023/early 2024, the eVisa is available for citizens of 55 countries, including most EU nations, China, India, and others. This simplifies things immensely. You apply online, and if approved, you get a digital visa that's linked to your passport. The fee is typically around $52 USD, and processing takes about 4 days. The eVisa is usually valid for 16 days of stay within a 60-day period. This is a massive improvement over the old consular visa process for eligible nationalities. However, note that citizens of the US, UK, Canada, and Australia are NOT eligible for the eVisa and must still go through the traditional, more complex consular visa application process. Always check the official Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the most current list of eligible countries and requirements, as this system is still subject to changes and expansions.