Russia visa

• E-visas are available to nationals of 64 eligible countries.
• The visa is valid for up to 120 days from issue; stays are limited to 30 days.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists a processing time of four calendar days, excluding the day the application is submitted.
• For hotel stays, the hotel handles registration; for private accommodation, the general deadline is seven working days.
• As of October 25, 2026, the German Federal Foreign Office advises against travel and reports repeated airport closures.

The e-visa is valid for tourism, business and private visits, as well as scientific, cultural, social, economic and sporting events and related contacts. For travel purposes outside these categories, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that a regular visa must be obtained through a diplomatic mission or consulate.

The 120-day validity period is the window for entering the country. Stays within this period are limited to 30 days, and you must also leave before the visa expires. According to the Ministry, processing takes four calendar days, excluding the day the application is submitted. If an application is returned for corrections, the processing period starts again after it is resubmitted.

Germany is among the 64 eligible nationalities. Eligibility depends on the passport used. The appropriate visa and entry permit also depend on the purpose of the trip and length of stay.

The visa category, application and supporting documents depend on the purpose of travel and the procedure set by the responsible Russian diplomatic mission. The general visa and entry requirements distinguish these procedures from the e-visa. The details in your passport and personal documents must match your application. Minors need to submit their own e-visa application.

E-visa applications are submitted online. Your passport must be machine-readable, issued by your country of nationality, valid for at least six months from the date of application and have enough space for border stamps. Single entry and exit are permitted only through state border crossing points listed on the officially approved e-visa list. The approval must be presented to the carrier and border service either as a printout or on a mobile device. Health insurance valid in Russia is required for the entire stay, except for nationals of countries exempted by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the basis of reciprocity. Other visa types have their own application procedures and supporting-document requirements.

According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the general deadline is seven working days. For hotel stays, the hotel handles registration. For private accommodation, the host and guest should arrange registration with the responsible authority.

Transit and border crossings may impose additional requirements on your route. For stopovers, consider your nationality, the country and your ticket connections together. Getting there and transport includes transfers and border crossings; allow extra time for transfers between airports or railway stations.

As of October 25, 2026, the German Federal Foreign Office advises against travel to the Russian Federation. The authority reports drone threats and recurring airport closures lasting several hours in the west and in parts of central and southern Russia, which may lead to numerous flight cancellations. Direct air traffic between Russia and the EU has been suspended, and connecting flights via third countries may change at short notice. The specific airports in Russia and possible onward connections are key to planning your route.

Keep your passport, visa, accommodation address and confirmation together with your travel documents. Your accommodation by location and area is also your registered place of stay. A travel checklist and itinerary help organize documents and travel segments; transfers and local transport connect your arrival point with your accommodation. For onward journeys, train travel and railway stations are part of your route planning. An offline map keeps addresses and transfers easy to find. Current restrictions on German bank cards are important when making payments in Russia; planning payments while travelling depends on your destination. Consider other destinations in light of the current travel warning and available connections.

How long is the Russian e-visa valid?

Since August 23, 2025, it has been valid for up to 120 days from the date of issue. Stays during this validity period are limited to 30 days, and you must leave before the visa expires.

Who registers guests staying at a hotel?

The hotel handles registration with the authorities. For private accommodation, the general deadline for registration at your place of stay is seven working days.

Can nationals of any country get an e-visa?

No. The Russian authorities list 64 eligible nationalities. Germany is included; Australia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and New Zealand are among the countries not on the list.