How To Get A Visa For Russia In 2026 - Against The Compass

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Today, there is widespread misunderstanding regarding visas for entry to Russia, namely that since the Ukraine war started in 2022, Russia hasn’t been offering tourist visas to international visitors.

This assumption is not only false but, with the recent introduction of an e-visa, getting a visa for Russia is easier than ever.

In this Russian visa guide, you will find:

Our experience with the Russian visa

In 2025 alone, we’ve guided guests from the following countries: USA, UK, Canada, Spain, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Greece, Poland, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Kuwait.

How to apply for an electronic visa for Russia

In 2024, the Russian customs authorities made history by launching a user-friendly e-visa portal, allowing travelers to easily get their visa for Russia in just a few days.

What’s the validity of the Russian e-visa?

Which countries are eligible for a Russian e-visa?

All EU and Schengen countries, as well as Bahrain, Cambodia, China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Iran, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, North Macedonia, Oman, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey and Vietnam.

How long does it take to get approval?

How much does the Russian e-visa cost?

Can I use the e-visa at any entry point?

With the e-visa, you can enter Russia via any of its international airports, however land border crossings are limited.

How to apply for a Russian visa at the embassy (the traditional way)

Applying for a Russian e-visa seems pretty convenient, but there are some cases in which you will have to get it at the embassy or consulate in your country of residence:

Russian visa embassy requirements

1. Obtain a Letter of Invitation (LOI)

The first thing you’ll need to have is an official Letter of Invitation (LOI), which can only be obtained through a valid tour operator in Russia.

You can easily purchase a Russian LOI online via iVisa Center, for example (they might also help you with the visa).

Alternatively, we can also provide a Letter of Invitation when joining any of our tours in Russia:

2. Fill out the visa application form

Once you’ve obtained your LOI, you can go ahead and complete the following online application form.

Keep in mind that the LOI is a must-have before completing this form, since they’ll be asking you for your sponsor details.

After submitting your form, you will have to print it out and bring it to the embassy.

3. Go to your respective consulate, embassy or Russian Visa Center

Fortunately, Russia has embassies in pretty much every country, all of them fully operational, including those in the USA, Canada, the UK and anywhere across Europe.

Some embassies require an appointment, while others don’t. Moreover, some prefer to delegate all visa services to their respective Russian Visa Center, while others require travelers to go to the actual embassy.

Either way, look for your Russian Embassy website to check their specific requirements.

How much does the visa for Russia cost?

The price varies from embassy to embassy but at the Russian Consulate of Barcelona:

How long does it take for the visa to be issued?

Tips on how to apply for a Russian visa as an American

Applying for a visa for Russia as an American isn’t very different to other nationalities, but it presents certain particularities.

For example, as an American, you can only apply for a 3-year multiple entry visa – that’s the only option you will be eligible for.

Russia is huge, so this is a great advantage if you plan to visit Russia multiple times

This is a great 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 the USA

After getting your Letter of Invitation and filling out the online form, make an appointment with any of the following consulates:

After submitting your documents to the embassy, expect to receive your visa within 2-3 weeks.

If you can’t go to the embassy in person, be aware that they also accept applications via ordinary mail.

Tips on how to apply for a Russian visa as a British citizen

British citizens can only apply for their visa in person. However, visa collection can be done by postal service.

After securing your Letter of Invitation and filling out the online form, you’ll have to book an appointment with your nearest embassy:

Allow 1 – 4 weeks to get 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

After getting your Letter of Invitation and filling out the online form, you’ll have to book an appointment with your nearest embassy:

More information

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