Russia has replaced its old regional e-visa pilots with a single unified e-visa for the whole country. The unified electronic visa allows a stay of up to 30 days, with 120 days’ visa validity. Visitors will be able to obtain e visa within four days by uploading scanned copies of valid passport and photograph; no additional documentation or invitation letter will be required.
On 19th July 2019, The president of Russia Vladimir Putin signed a decree to expand e visa service to Saint Petersburg and Leningrad region entry points. Those regional pilots have since been discontinued: the unified e-visa is now valid for entry through approved checkpoints across Russia, and holders can travel freely throughout the country and stay there up to 30 days. The unified e-visa is available for various purpose like private or business visits, tourism, scientific, cultural, sporting events, etc.
The unified e-visa is available for citizens of 64 countries, and the up-to-date list is published on the official e-visa website. Important for our readers: Pakistan is not on the eligible-countries list, so Pakistani citizens cannot use the e-visa and must apply for a regular visa at a Russian diplomatic mission.
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Which countries are eligible for the Russia e-visa (2026):
The regional e-visa schemes for Kaliningrad and Saint Petersburg (launched in 2019) have been discontinued and replaced by the unified e-visa. Nationals of 64 countries are currently eligible — the official, up-to-date list is published on the official e-visa website. Pakistan is not among the eligible countries.
The unified e-visa is applied for online through the Russian Foreign Ministry’s official website or mobile app (no earlier than 86 days and no later than 4 days before travel), and there will be no requirement of an invitation letter. This will make visit visa easier than conventional visa which is obtained from the embassy with an invitation letter or tourist voucher. A processing fee is charged (non-refundable; children under 6 are exempt), and applicants must hold medical insurance valid in Russia for the entire stay.
This information is published for general reference only. Readers are advised to seek more information at the official website of Russian Immigration.