In a major update for international travelers, Russia is expanding its electronic visa (e-Visa) system starting August 23, 2025. Under the new policy, the validity of the e-Visa will double from 60 to 120 days, and the maximum duration of stay will be extended from 16 to 30 days. This move is expected to make travel to Russia more convenient and flexible for tourists, business travelers, and cultural visitors.
What’s Changing?
Until now, travelers using the e-Visa could stay in Russia for only 16 days, and the visa itself was valid for 60 days from the date it was issued. But with the new rule coming into effect in late August, visitors will now be able to:
- Stay in Russia for up to 30 days
- Use the visa for 120 days from the date of issuance
The announcement was made official through a presidential decree signed by President Vladimir Putin on July 23, 2025. The change is part of Russia’s broader plan to boost tourism and business engagement, while also managing its border security in today’s complex geopolitical environment.
A Visa That’s Already Popular
Launched nationwide in August 2023, the Russian e-Visa has already attracted more than 1.2 million travelers. It allows citizens from over 60 countries to enter Russia for tourism, business, humanitarian, and cultural purposes.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the e-Visa is especially popular among travelers from China, India, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Turkey, and Estonia.
Why Is Russia Making This Move?
Officials say the updated e-Visa system is designed to encourage more international visitors without compromising national security. By giving travelers more time to plan and enjoy their visit, Russia hopes to boost its tourism sector and improve its global image.
A spokesperson from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated:
“Extending the validity and stay period of the e-Visa while maintaining necessary migration controls will help increase the number of foreign nationals visiting our country.”
The ministry emphasized that this visa reform balances openness with security, which remains a top priority.
A Long-Anticipated Reform
This reform has been in the works for months. Since late 2023, Russian officials had hinted at potential changes to the e-Visa, including longer stays. The decision to allow 30-day visits comes after increasing the number of eligible countries to 64, a move that signaled broader changes ahead.
By early 2025, reports suggested that Moscow was preparing to amend visa legislation. The July presidential decree has now confirmed these plans.
Will Multiple Entries Be Allowed in the Future?
For now, the e-Visa remains single-entry only, meaning travelers must apply again if they wish to re-enter Russia after leaving. However, discussions are already underway to introduce multiple-entry options in the near future.
On June 11, 2025, Russia’s Minister of Economic Development, Maxim Reshetnikov, addressed this possibility, stating:
“There is growing demand to allow multiple use of the e-Visa. This will be our next step in collaboration with the Foreign Ministry and border services.”
While no exact timeline has been given, travelers can expect more updates on this in the coming months.
Border Rules Still Apply
Despite the new relaxed visa terms, travelers must continue to enter through official checkpoints, such as:
- Major international airports (e.g., Moscow, Saint Petersburg)
- Railway stations
- Seaports
- Designated land crossings
The presidential decree also mentions that entry outside of these official points is not allowed, unless travelers receive special approval from the Federal Security Service (FSB). This ensures that border security and territorial control remain intact.
How to Apply for a Russian e-Visa
Applying for an e-Visa is a fully online process through the official Russian visa website: evisa.kdmid.ru. Here’s what applicants need to know:
Requirements:
- Fill out an online application form
- Upload a digital passport photo
- Submit a scanned copy of your passport
- Provide travel details
- Pay a visa fee of approximately $50
Children under 6 years old receive the visa free of charge (except for bank service fees).
Processing Time: Typically 4 calendar days
Important Note:
Even with the new 120-day validity, the visa remains single-entry only. If you exit Russia, you must reapply for another e-Visa to return.
Quick Summary of Key Updates
| Feature | Before | From August 23, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Validity | 60 days | 120 days |
| Maximum Stay | 16 days | 30 days |
| Number of Entries | Single-entry | Single-entry (no change) |
| Eligible Countries | 64 | 64 (may expand) |
| Visa Fee | ~$50 | ~$50 |
| Processing Time | 4 calendar days | 4 calendar days |
Russia’s decision to extend the e-Visa’s validity and stay limit marks a positive step for international travel. Whether you’re planning a vacation, attending a cultural event, or traveling for business, the longer visa window gives you more freedom and flexibility.
Though still a single-entry visa, the government’s openness to introducing a multiple-entry option shows that further reforms may be on the way.
As always, travelers should follow official guidelines, apply through the authorized portal, and ensure entry through approved checkpoints.
READ MORE: Sri Lanka to Offer Free Visas to Tourists from 40 Countries
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