Russia e-Visa, the official paid e-visa, and how to spot the middlemen who mark it up.

Russia’s unified e-visa is a single-entry visa issued by the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is not open to every passport: the ministry publishes a list of 64 states whose nationals can apply, and everyone else needs a regular visa from a Russian diplomatic mission or consular post.

Since 23 August 2025 the visa is valid for up to 120 days from issue, with a stay of no more than 30 days. Before that date it was 60 days and 16 days. Old guides still quote the shorter numbers.

Start here

1. Check the passport, the dates and the border points

The 64-state list, the 86-to-4-day application window, the 30-day stay count and the approved crossing points. → Read the unified e-visa overview

2. Prepare the application

Thirteen checks from the ministry’s Instruction page and FAQ, including the 35x45 photo spec and the DD.MM.YYYY date format. → Open the field guide

Fast facts

• Official application: evisa.kdmid.ru, filed from a personal account or the ministry’s mobile app.
• Agency: Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
• Visa: single entry, valid 120 days from issue, stay no more than 30 days.
• Eligibility: 64 states, published by the ministry.
• Timing: apply 4 to 86 days before entry; processing takes up to 4 calendar days.
• Fee: charged at the payment step, non-refundable; applicants under 6 pay nothing.
• Border: entry and exit must both use approved crossing points.