Statistics of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on issued visas to Russia in the 2006-2022

Visa to Russia

According to the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation №635-R of March 16, 2022 for the purpose of ensuring state security, protecting public health and non-proliferation of a new coronavirus infection entry to the territory of the Russian Federation is restricted until further notice.

Tap the link for more information.

A foreign national or stateless person needs a visa to enter the Russian Federation, except for citizens of the states with which the Russian Federation concluded an agreement on visa free travel .

To apply for and obtain a visa to enter the Russian Federation it is necessary to

1) Contact a consular office of the Russian Federation at the location of your habitual residence;

2) Review the list of the documents necessary to apply for a visa and the amount of the consular fee;

3) Submit the documents necessary to apply for a visa:

2. A filled-out visa application form.

3. Two 3.5 x 4.5 cm photographs.

4. Proof of payment of the consular fee.

5. Documents depending on the purpose of the visit and the visa category:

5.1.for business and humanitarian visas (a single or double entry visa for up to 3 months or a multiple entry visa for up to one year):

· an original invitation letter registered with a branch of the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation or a decision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

5.2.for tourist visas (a single or double entry visa for up to 30 days)

· a tourism services agreement

· a confirmation of reception of the foreign tourist by the tour operator company

Note : a hotel booking confirmation cannot serve as the ground for issuing a visa

5.3.for private visas (a single or double entry visa for up to three months):

· an original invitation letter registered with a branch of the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation

5.4.for a student visa:

· an original invitation letter registered with a branch of the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation

· a negative HIV certificate (valid for 3 months)

Note : when applying for a student visa make sure that your passport is valid for at least one and a half years

5.5.for work visas:

· an original invitation letter registered with a branch of the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation

· a negative HIV certificate (valid for 3 months)

Note : when applying for a work visa make sure that your passport is valid for at least one and a half years

5.6.for transit visas (for not more than 3 days for foreign nationals traveling by air through the territory of the Russian Federation to the country of destination):

· a valid transport ticket for departure from the Russian Federation

· a visa to enter the country adjacent to the Russian Federation on the route or a visa of the country of destination or a passport issued by such country

Note : a foreign national travelling by a non-stop air flight over the territory of the Russian Federation does not need a transit visa

More detailed information on the requirements to the documents necessary for issue of a visa can be found on the website of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

4) Get a receipt showing the date of the visa readiness after the respective documents have been accepted.

5) Obtain the visa; please provide the receipt to obtain your visa.

6) Upon obtaining the visa, check if the details are filled in correctly, including the name, date, passport number, date of birth, etc. and, if necessary, promptly return the visa to make the respective amendments.

Regardless of the number of entries of the visa, the total period of stay of a foreign national in the Russian Federation may not exceed 90 days per each period of 180 days (except for holders of work and student visas).

The consulate reserves the right to refuse to grant a visa on serious grounds.

If the visa is refused, the fee paid will not be refunded.

New purposes of entry: The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs comments

February 8, 2022 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Order from 21.12.2020, N 23235 “List of purposes of visit, used for issuance of visas to foreign citizens” came into force, which contains substantial changes to practically all visa types.

Our company has sent letters with request to clarify issues connected with application of the new Order in practice to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Below, please find summaries of answers we have received:

Purpose of entry: «installation works»

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs comments, foreign citizens, employed by foreign companies (manufacturers or suppliers), executing installation works, providing technical support, doing repairs and after guarantee repairs of equipment supplied to the Russian Federation, are able to entry Russia on the basis of single entry ordinary work visas with the purpose of entry “installation works”.

There is no need to apply for work permits as well as signing labour or civil agreements with this category of foreign nationals.

Such visas cannot be extended in Russia, except for emergency cases, connected with inability of a foreign national to leave the Country for reasons connected with health, epidemiological issues and etc., but for not more than 10 calendar days.

At present Moscow office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs issues single entry work invitations with the purpose of entry “installation works” for a maximum period of 90 calendar days.

Purpose of entry: «professor»

This category has been abolished from the List. According to the commentary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cases when Russian educational institutions invite foreign professors to work in Russia it is necessary to apply for an invitation letter with the purpose of entry «work activities» with subsequent extension of the visa in Russia on the basis of the labour agreement for a term not exceeding 1 year. Such extensions can be done unlimited times.

It is necessary to mention that according to the subsection 8 section 4 article 13 of the Federal Law from 25.07.2002, № 115-FL “On the legal status of foreign citizens in the Russian Federation” for foreign citizens entering the Russian Federation as science and pedagogical staff in case they are invited to work on science projects or perform pedagogical activities – application for a work permit or patent is not required.

Purpose of entry: «accompanying family member»

Following the Ministry of Foreign Affairs comments, according to the current legislation issuance of visas to family members of foreign citizens, who are accredited employees of accredited in Russia representative offices of foreign companies (further – inosotrudnik), is no longer possible. Due to this fact, purpose of visit “accompanying family member” for family members of foreign citizens, who have the status of “inosotrudnik” (employees of representative offices and branches of foreign commercial organizations, who are not HQS) has been excluded from the list of work visas.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs comments, in cases where entry of the accompanying family members is not provided for by the new List of purposes of entry: that is foreign citizens, who perform work activities based on standard work permits (not HQS), those having the status of “inosotrudnik”, professors – invitation can be applied for by the inviting party – physical person or a company. In this case a private visa will be issued with the purpose of entry “guest”.

The new List of purposes of visit does not indicate the term for which such a guest visa can be issued. It is necessary to mention that old List of purposes of entry contained the term of the guest visa and it was up to 3 months (with permitted period of stay in Russia 90 days out of each 180 days).

Therefore, it is possible to apply for long-term visas with purpose of entry “accompanying family member” only in cases when foreign citizens are accompanying family members of HQS employees or employees of foreign media, accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Work and business visas with purpose of entry «accompanying family member», issued to foreign citizens according to the old List of purposes of entry and which are not longer in the new List are considered to be valid until their expiration dates and can no longer be extended.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Order from 21.12.2020, N 23235 “List of purposes of entry, used for issuance of visas to foreign citizens”

Written replies from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

Новые цели поездок: разъяснения МИД России и МВД России

8 февраля 2022 г. вступил в силу Приказ МИД России от 21.12.2022 N 23235 “Об утверждении Перечня целей поездок, используемого при оформлении и выдаче виз иностранным гражданам”, содержащий существенные изменения. Изменения коснулись практически всех видов виз.

Нашими сотрудниками были составлены письма-запросы в МИД России и МВД России с просьбой разъяснить некоторые вопросы, связанные с применением нового Приказа на практике.

Ниже мы обобщили, полученные нами ответы:

Цель поездки: «монтажные работы»

В соответствии с разъяснениями МВД России, иностранные граждане, являющиеся работниками иностранных юридических лиц (производителей или поставщиков), выполняющих монтажные (шефмонтажные) работы, сервисное и гарантийное обслуживание, а также послегарантийный ремонт поставленного в РФ технического оборудования, въезжают на территорию России на основании однократных обыкновенных рабочих виз с целью поездки «монтажные работы».

Необходимости получения иностранными специалистами разрешительных документов на осуществление трудовой деятельности в РФ и заключения с ними трудового или гражданско-правового договора на выполнение работ (оказание услуг) в данном случае нет.

Такие визы продлению на территории РФ не подлежат, кроме экстренных случаев, связанных с невозможностью иностранного гражданина покинуть территорию РФ по уважительной причине, но не более чем на 10 календарных дней (болезнь, санитарно-эпидемиологическая обстановка и т.п.)

На сегодняшний день УВМ ГУ МВД России по г. Москве оформляет однократные рабочие приглашения с целью въезда «монтажные работы» сроком до 90 дней.

Цель поездки: «преподаватель»

Данная цель поездки была исключена из перечня. Согласно комментариям МВД России и МИД России в случаях приглашения иностранных граждан для работы преподавателями в российских образовательных организациях необходимо оформление приглашений с целью «трудовая деятельность» и последующее продление визы на срок не более 1 года на основании заключенного трудового договора. Количество продлений виз неограниченно.

Важно отметить, что в соответствии с подпунктом 8 пункта 4 статьи 13 Федерального закона от 25.07.2002 г. № 115-ФЗ “О правовом положении иностранных граждан в Российской Федерации” иностранные граждане, въезжающие в Российскую Федерацию в качестве научных или педагогических работников, в случае их приглашения для занятия научно-исследовательской или педагогической деятельностью, осуществляют трудовую деятельность, для которой не требуется получение разрешения на работу или патента.

Цель поездки: «сопровождающий член семьи»

Согласно комментариям МИД России, в соответствии с действующим российским законодательством выдача виз для членов семей иностранных граждан, являющихся аккредитованными работниками аккредитованных на территории РФ представительств иностранных юридических лиц (далее – иносотрудник), не предусмотрена. В этой связи цель поездки “сопровождающий член семьи” для членов семей иносотрудников (работников представительств и филиалов иностранных коммерческих компаний, не являющихся ВКС) исключена из раздела обыкновенные рабочие визы.

Согласно комментариям МВД России, для въезда сопровождающих членов семьи категорий лиц, не предусмотренных новым перечнем целей поездок: иностранных граждан, осуществляющих трудовую деятельность на основании разрешения на работу, выданного на общих основаниях (не ВКС), иносотрудников, преподавателей – приглашение может быть оформлено по ходатайству приглашающей стороны – юридического либо физического лица для последующей выдачи частной визы с целью поездки «гостевая».

Новый перечень не указывает срок, на который может быть выдана гостевая виза. Следует отметить, что старый Приказ, устанавливавший перечень целей поездок предусматривал срок гостевой визы до 3 месяцев (разрешенный период пребывания в России 90 дней из каждых 180).

Таким образом, оформить долгосрочные визы с целью поездки «сопровождающий член семьи» возможно только для иностранных граждан, осуществляющих трудовую деятельность на основании разрешений на работу ВКС и сотрудников иностранных СМИ, аккредитованных МИД России.

Деловые и рабочие визы с целью поездки «сопровождающий член семьи», выданные иностранным гражданам в соответствии со старым перечнем целей поездок, и не предусмотренные новым перечнем целей поездок, считаются действительными до окончания срока их действия и продлению не подлежат.

Приказ МИД России от 21.12.2022 N 23235 “Об утверждении Перечня целей поездок, используемого при оформлении и выдаче виз иностранным гражданам”

Письменные ответы на обращения МВД России и МИД России

About the Ministry

Since its founding on 2 December, 1971, the United Arab Emirates has embraced the principles of peaceful co-existence, mutual respect and non-interference in other countries internal affairs as cornerstones of the country’s foreign policy.

Building on the legacy of the UAE founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the visionary leadership of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, continues the journey by actively contributing to the welfare of nations regardless of colour, race or ethnicity. This trait stems from the profound Islamic beliefs in peace and tolerance.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reflects the bright face and character of the UAE’s society. It serves as a window to the outside world, communicating the thoughts and vision of the UAE leadership, asserting the values of peaceful co-existence, and lending assistance to all those who might need it. Furthermore, the Ministry also the importance of attaining global peace and amicably resolving international disputes through dialogue and legal arbitratioin.

Through its embassies and diplomatic missions around the globe, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation serves as the link between the wise leadership and people of the UAE and the rest of the world. The Ministry, strengthening friendship and closer ties with other nations, is working hard to safeguard the interests of Emiratis and promoting economic and cultural development and peace in the world. These efforts have earned UAE citizens considerable respect all around the world, and raised the image of the UAE on the regional and international stage.

The Ministry undertakes several responsibilities as stipulated by the constitution of the UAE and federal laws and in line with the country’s principles. As per Cabinet Resolution Number 6 of 2001 on organisational structure, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is mandated to carry out several tasks and special interests, including:

• Charting the country’s foreign policy, supervising its execution and coordinating with other relevant authorities.
• The Ministry also supervises all foreign relations, including organising the country’s participation in organisations, conferences, and exhibitions.
• Protecting the interests of the country and its citizens abroad.
• Entering into pacts and conventions that the country is committed to.
• Gathering, analysing and evaluating political and economic information, organising communications between the country’s ministries and related departments, and between agencies and governments.
• Promoting the image of the country and its values and policies.
• Conducting all ceremonies and formalities for missions that represent the country.
• Issuance and renewal of diplomatic and special passports for citizens, issuance and renewal of ordinary passports for UAE citizens abroad.
• Providing visas to enter the country or for transit on ordinary or diplomatic passports.
• Preparing and providing diplomatic, consular, administrative and financial information that enables the country’s representative missions to conduct their tasks and overseeing the country’s diplomatic and consular missions.

The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, laid the country’s foreign policy cornerstones. He once said that, “The foreign policy of the UAE aims to support legitimate Arab and Islamic issues and interests and strengthen friendship and collaboration with all other countries, based on UN Conventions and internationally recognised morals and ethics. Our young country has achieved tremendous success on the international level, thanks to the noble and progressive principles our country has built. Our policy is based on the principles of legitimate rights, justice and peace, and is driven by our faith that peace is an urgent need for humanity.”

For more information about the organisational structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, click here.

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CORONAVIRUS & ENTRY RULES TO RUSSIA

Dear exhibitors and colleagues!

According to the Decrees of the Government of the Russian Federation №635-R of March 16, 2022, №1170-R of April 29, 2022, №1511-R of June 6, 2022, №1671-R of June 25, 2022 for the purpose of ensuring state security, protecting public health and non-proliferation of a new coronavirus infection entry to the territory of the Russian Federation is restricted until further notice.

According to the Decrees of the Government of the Russian Federation, lifting restrictions on entry to Russia by air, imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for citizens of:

Abkhazia,

Belarus,

Cuba,

Egypt,

Great Britain,

Kyrgyzstan,

Kazakhstan,

Maldives,

Serbia,

South Ossetia,

South Korea,

Switzerland,

Tanzania,

UAE,

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has signed a Decree, lifting restrictions on foreigners’ visa-free Russia entry for short-term business trips. Visa-free Russia entry for short-term business trips is now allowed to foreigners. This applies to holders of diplomatic or service passports from countries with which Russia has visa-free entry agreements https://www.mid.ru/ru/useful_information/information/entrance_mode .

The above entry restriction is not applied to the following categories of foreign citizens:

1. car drivers of international motor traffic
2. airplanes, sea and river ships crew members
3. train and locomotive brigades of international railway traffic
4. members of official delegations with diplomatic and service visas
5. persons with diplomatic and service visas, as well as ordinary private visas, issued in emergency cases related to the death of a close relative
6. persons, who permanently live on the territory of the Russian Federation
7. visa-free transit passengers proceeding through airport checkpoints
8. persons who are highly qualified specialists*
9. foreign athletes, coaches and specialists in the field of physical culture on a work, humanitarian visa or if there is an employment contract
10. persons entering the Russian Federation for the purpose of specialized treatment

In addition, entry into and exit from our country is now allowed for crew members of sea and river vessels located in Russian ports. Such specialists are allowed to use road, air, rail and sea transport for movement. The decision was made in order to ensure the possibility of changing the crews of ships. Restrictions on crossing the Russian border will no longer apply to specialists who are involved in quality control of equipment manufactured by Russian companies under contracts related to the construction of nuclear power plants abroad within the framework of international agreements between Russia and foreign partners. Also, free border crossing is allowed for those who are involved in certification of new aircraft and maintaining the airworthiness of domestically produced winged aircraft operated by Russian companies.

Entry into the Russian Federation is temporarily restricted for foreign citizens of other categories. The order is unlimited and is valid until a special decision.

According to Decree No. 13 of July 07, 2022 of the Chief sanitary doctor of the Russian Federation, the mandatory 14-day quarantine has been canceled for both foreigners and Russian citizens.

Excerpt from the Decree:

For foreign citizen:
1.1. When crossing the State border of the Russian Federation, inform officials carrying out sanitary and quarantine control of the absence of COVID-19 disease with the submission of a medical document (in Russian or English) confirming the negative result of a laboratory test of material on COVID-19 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), selected no earlier than three calendar days before arrival on the territory of the Russian Federation, medical documents confirming the detection of immunoglobulin g (IgG) antibodies (if available).
1.2. In the absence of a medical document confirming a negative result of a laboratory test for COVID-19 by PCR, undergo an examination for a new coronavirus infection by PCR within three calendar days on the territory of the Russian Federation. Payment for research is made in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation.

* Excerpt from the Government Decree of June 25, 2022. No. 1671-r:

“persons entering the Russian Federation once, who are involved in labor activities as highly qualified specialists included in the list (indicating the checkpoint across the state border of the Russian Federation and the date of entry) sent to the FSB of Russia and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia by the federal executive body in the field which is in charge of the organization – the employer or customer of work (services), subject to the presentation by the specified persons of valid documents proving their identity and recognized by the Russian Federation in this capacity, and visas or in a visa-free manner in cases stipulated by international treaties of the Russian Federation, and subject to the presentation of a valid employment contract or civil contract for the performance of work ( provision of services) with the employer or customer of work (services); “.

NEW!

A Uniform Electronic Visa will be Introduced in Russia as of the Beginning of 2022. The Regulations on the procedure for its arranging were approved by Mikhail Mishustin, Chairman of the Government, on November 07, 2022. Download the document>>

The electronic visa will be arranged at a specially set up site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or using a mobile application. It may be obtained for tourist, business, humanitarian and guest trips. At that, the foreign citizen will not require any invitations, hotel bookings or any other documents confirming the purpose of the trip. It is enough to fill out a form, upload a personal photo and a copy of your international passport, pay a consular fee of USD 40 (free of charge for children under 6 years of age) and wait for a notice.

The electronic visa processing shall take no longer than four days. The visa will be valid for 60 days from the date of its receipt, but the foreign citizen may stay in Russia on the basis thereof for no more than 16 days. These terms may be extended in force majeure circumstances by the decision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

When crossing the border with Russia, the foreign citizen must show a printed notice of arranging the electronic visa and his/her international passport.

A pilot electronic visa project was launched in 2017 and included a number of restrictions. Foreign citizens with electronic visas could only enter Russia through a number of checkpoints in the Far Eastern Federal District, St. Petersburg and Leningrad and Kaliningrad Regions. And they were not allowed to travel outside those regions. As of now, the electronic visa will be applicable throughout Russia. Foreign citizens will be able to cross the border via the checkpoints in many regions, and travel throughout Russia.

The introduction of uniform electronic visas will promote tourism, enhance the investment attractions of the Russian regions and boost the national economy as a whole.

Earlier, Mikhail Mishustin approved the list of states which citizens will be able to obtain the electronic visa and the list of border checkpoints >> through which it is possible to cross the border on the basis of such document.

Coming to France? Your Covid-19 questions answered

Last updated on December 21, 2022

For unvaccinated minors under 12 years, the vaccine status of their parents or accompanying guardians shall apply.

EXCEPTIONS
> Fully vaccinated Individuals arriving from a Member State of the European Union, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, the Holy See or Switzerland.

> Special rules of entry apply for visitors from the United Kingdom

Starting December 18, 2022 at 00:00 in France (GMT-1), all travellers aged 12 and over, from the United Kingdom, regardless of their vaccination status, must:

• Provide proof that they have one of the imperious reasons for travel.
Tourism and business travel are not pressing grounds for travel;
• Present upon boarding a negative result of a PCR or antigen test taken less than 24h prior;
• Register before departure on the digital platform éOS-COVID;
• Self-isolate upon arrival in France in the place of their choosing. This self-isolation, following the receipt of a prefectoral order generated on the digital platform éOS-COVID, could be lifted 48 hours after arrival in France if a negative result of a PCR or antigen test is provided. Checks will be conducted to ensure that these measures are properly implemented.

I am a foreign national living abroad. Can I travel to France?

The entry conditions to French territory are defined by the classification of departure countries (countries and territories on ’green’, ’orange’, ’red’ and ’scarlet red’ lists) indicated below.

• If you have travelled through a third country during your return trip to France, but remained in the airport international zone, the rules for the departure country apply.

• Flights between Mauritius and Reunion Island remain subject to the scarlet category rules.

• Vaccinated persons aged 12 years or over wishing to travel to France from the UK must present a PCR or antigen negative test result less than 48 hours old before travelling (24 hours old for those not fully vaccinated).

• Morocco has suspended regular flights to and from France as of Sunday, 28 November 2022.

• People coming from Belgium, apart from children under 12, must present proof of full vaccination or a negative result of a PCR or antigen test taken less than 24 hours prior to the date of arrival.

What is a COVID certificate?

In the European Union, the “EU Digital Covid Certificate” has been implemented in all Member States.

It also concerns those vaccinated in Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

A certificate of recovery between 11 days and 6 months old may also serve as a COVID certificate. This document is issued to people who have contracted COVID-19, upon presentation of a positive RT-PCR or antigen test.

Exceptions for imperious reasons. Do I qualify ?

In certain cases, you may be exempt from some of the rules for entering France if your reasons for visiting France are considered as ’imperious reasons’.

If your travel falls within one of the imperious reasons announced by the French government, a sworn declaration can be downloaded on the Ministry of the Interior’s website (in English). It must be presented upon boarding to the transport company and accompanied by the appropriate supporting documents. Examples of imperious reasons for travel can be found on the sworn declaration.

Where required, imperious reasons for travel do not concern partners of French citizens, their children, or European citizens and equivalent, their partners (spouses, civil partners or cohabiters), or their children, whose main residence is in mainland France or who are transiting through France to their main residence in a European Union country or equivalent, or the country of their nationality.

Those travelling to France on imperious reasons, from countries where the virological screening test (RT-PCR) cannot be done before departure, may request an exemption from presenting this test at departure (imperious reasons for travel must be proven), and must submit to a test upon arrival in France. They must isolate for 7 days.

Travelling to France: COVID-19 restrictions

Can civil partners (who have signed a PACS) and cohabiters be issued a visa?

Exceptionally, civil partners and cohabiters will be considered as partners, on the condition that their usual residence is in the same household as the European citizen or foreign national holding a residence permit.

Partners of citizens of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Andorra, Monaco and Switzerland, their spouses and children can enter France, as well as citizens of the Holy See and San Marino, their spouses and children, may be granted a visa.

International students and researchers: conditions for entering France

Depending on your country of departure and your vaccination status, the procedures that apply to travel to France are different. We recommend you complete a full vaccination cycle before your departure to facilitate your arrival and daily life in France.

Students and researchers from Category 1 (“green” list) countries and territories do not need to have proof of pressing grounds to travel to France.

For students and researchers from Category 2 (“orange” list) and Category 3 (“red” list) countries and territories, the following reasons are recognized as pressing grounds for travel:

• students enrolled in French as a foreign language courses prior to enrolment in higher education;
• students that have passed the oral tests of entrance exams to French higher education institutions;
• students enrolled in a higher education establishment for the year 2022-2022 (including French as a foreign language courses);
• Researchers and teaching staff (including language assistants) moving to France at the invitation of a research laboratory or higher education institution, for research or teaching activities absolutely requiring their physical presence, as well as their partners (spouses, civil partners, or cohabiters, subject to evidence of cohabitation) and children.

Please note that each territory may apply separate measures via a prefectoral order. For more details on the COVID-19 restrictions in place in each territory, please consult the website of the corresponding prefecture. In addition, to tackle the new wave of the pandemic, further measures are in force as of 26 November 2022.

I am a French national and I live abroad. Can I travel to France?

Are there specific measures for overseas France and Corsica?

For more information on public health rules applicable to each territory, visit the website of the competent Prefecture:

MFA Russia

Consular department

Processing of an e-visa

E-visa application

ATTENTION. In accordance with clause 5 of the order of the Government of the Russian Federation dated March 16, 2022 No. 635-r, the processing and issuance of visas of all categories to foreign citizens has been temporarily suspended in order to ensure state security, protect public health and prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Добро пожаловать на специальный веб-сайт Консульского департамента Министерства иностранных дел Российской Федерации

Welcome to the specialized website of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation for obtaining e-visas.

Please read the following information carefully before completing the unified electronic visa (e-visa) application form.

Characteristics of the unified e-visa and conditions for its issuance

1. Only citizens of the following foreign countries , the list of which is approved by the Government of the Russian Federation, are eligible for the unified e-visa.
2. The unified e-visa is valid for the entry into and exit from the Russian Federation only through the following state border crossing points of the Russian Federation, the list of which is approved by the Government of the Russian Federation.
3. E-visa applicants are not required to submit an invitation letter, hotel booking confirmation or any other document confirming the purpose of their travel to the Russian Federation.
4. The unified e-visa entitles you to enter the Russian Federation and stay in the Russian Federation for private or business visit, tourism, as well as for participating in scientific, cultural, socio-political, economic, sporting events and carrying out relevant communications and contacts. If the purpose of your trip to the Russian Federation is none of the above, you have to apply to a diplomatic mission or consular post of the Russian Federation for a regular (not electronic) visa.
5. Foreign citizens arriving in the Russian Federation on the basis of a unified e-visa have the right to freedom of movement within the entire territory of the Russian Federation, except for visits to territories, organizations and facilities to which a special permit is required in accordance with federal laws.

The unified e-visa is a single entry visa. The validity period of a unified electronic visa is 60 days from the date of issue. The permitted period of stay in the Russian Federation on the basis of a unified e-visa within its validity period shall not exceed 16 days from the date of entry.

ATTENTION! The permitted period of stay in the Russian Federation on the basis of a unified e-visa of up to 16 days DOES NOT IMPLY the possibility of staying for 384 hours net time (24 hours x 16). The day of arrival and the day of departure are counted as two days. We recommend using the visa calculator to calculate the permitted period of stay.

The period of validity of an electronic visa and/or the permitted period of stay may be extended only in cases where it is impossible to leave the territory of the Russian Federation due to the need of emergency treatment or unsurmountable circumstances (force majeure) or natural disasters.

Extension of the e-visa and (or) the permitted period of stay is carried out by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation or its territorial bodies at the place of migration registration of a foreign citizen at the place of stay, and if there is no migration registration at the place of stay – at the place of actual stay by way of issuing an ordinary (not electronic) visa.

If you have a valid Russian visa in your passport, you do not need to apply for a unified e-visa. You can visit the Russian Federation with a regular visa within its validity period without the restrictions established for the unified e-visa. The validity of a regular visa cannot be extended by obtaining an e-visa.

In order to apply for a unified e-visa, it is necessary to submit an application from your personal account on the specialized website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia or through the Russian Foreign Ministry mobile application. The application can be submitted no earlier than 40 days and no later than 4 days before the expected date of entry into the Russian Federation.

Before completing the unified e-visa application, you will need to give your consent to the automated processing, transmission and storage of the data in your application for the purposes of issuing a unified e-visa.

A fee is charged for processing an application for a unified e-visa. Payment can be made on the specialized website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia or through the Russian Foreign Ministry mobile application using Internet acquiring technology with bank cards of international payment systems (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) over Internet. Children under the age of six are exempt from the processing fee.

Applications for a unified e-visa will be processed in no more than 4 calendar days from the date of submission of the application. The date and time of the submission of the application shall be the date and time of sending the completed application for processing. In the case referred to in point 14, the date and time of the submission of the application shall be the date and time of sending the amended application for reprocessing. It takes no longer than 4 calendar days from the date of submission of the application for a unified e-visa for it to be processed. The date and time of sending the completed application for processing is considered the date and time of its submission. In the case referred to in point 14, the date and time of sending the amended application for reprocessing will be considered the date and time of its submission.

The processing of applications and the issuance of unified e-visas are carried out by diplomatic missions or consular posts of the Russian Federation as designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. If the processing of the application reveals that any of the information stated therein is incorrect, it will be no longer processed and be returned to you for editing with the fields to be corrected being indicated and comments. An application shall be returned for editing no later than two calendar days from the date of submission of the application. Use your personal account to correct the application and submit it for reprocessing. Processing of the application shall only be resumed after the amended application has been submitted for reprocessing.

Indication of date, month and year of birth is mandatory when filling out the application form. If your full date of birth is not specified in your passport, the unified e-visa application cannot be accepted for processing.

Your passport must be machine-readable and issued by your country of nationality. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of submitting the application for a unified e-visa. If your passport does not meet these requirements, the e-visa application cannot be accepted for processing. There must be sufficient space in your passport for border crossing stamps.

If you are travelling with minor children indicated in your passport, a separate application for a unified e-visa must be submitted for each child. All minor children travelling with their parents must have a separate e-visa.

The information you provide in your application must be complete and accurate. Any incorrect information may lead to the revocation of the already issued visa at the border crossing point of the Russian Federation or in the territory of the Russian Federation.

Foreign citizens staying in the Russian Federation on the basis of unified e-visas are required to have a medical insurance valid in the territory of the Russian Federation for the entire duration of their stay, with the exception of citizens of the following foreign countries who are exempt from this requirement on the basis of reciprocity.

A unified e-visa may be refused in cases established by the legislation of the Russian Federation.

Applying for a unified e-visa

• The submission of applications and further actions are only available to the authorized users from their personal account on this website or in the MFA mobile application. Please create your personal account if you have not already done so.
• Make sure you have the following:
  • Web browser with JavaScript or the Russian Foreign Ministry mobile application installed on your device. Our website currently supports the following browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge. We cannot guarantee the correct functioning of our site in other browsers.
  • Software for PDF files viewing and printing. Adobe Acrobat Reader is recommended.
  • Your valid national passport that you intend to use when crossing the state border of the Russian Federation.
  • Digital photo of your passport data in JPEG format.
  • Digital photo of your face in JPEG format that meets the requirements .
    • The photo must be no more than six months old as of the date of the application and reflect your current appearance. The photo must show you alone. No foreign objects (chair back, pictures on the walls, etc.) or other people must be visible in the photo.
    • The photo must be taken in full-face view. The head must not be tilted or turned. You must look directly at the camera with a neutral expression, your mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible. No hair across your eyes.
    • The photo must be taken with uniform lighting and not show shadows, flash reflections on your face and no red eyes.
    • The photo must be taken with a plain light-colored background with no shadows.
    • Applicants whose religious beliefs prohibit them to be seen with their heads uncovered are allowed to wear a head covering that does not conceal facial features in the photo. In this case, please make sure that your face is clearly visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead.
    • If you wear glasses, your eyes must be clearly visible in the photo. Flash reflection off the lenses, as well as tinted lenses are not allowed (if possible, avoid heavy frames – wear lighter framed glasses, if you have them). Make sure that the frames do not cover your eyes (even partly).
    • The photo must show the top of your head and the top of your shoulders. Your head must be in the center of the photo and be fully shown from the top of the hairline or the crown of the head to the tip of the chin. The nose must be on the symmetry line. The face must take up 70-80 percent of the photo.
    • The photo must have no frames.
    • The photo must be rectangular (with the 35×45 aspect ratio).
    • The color scheme must be neutral. The colors must show the natural skin tone. The image must be clear, well defined and in focus.
  • Bank card for paying the visa fee.

• You can track the status of your application in your personal account on this website or in the MFA mobile application.

  ATTENTION! The status of your application may be as follows:

  • “Draft” (means that the application has been partially completed or has not yet been sent for processing).
  • “Awaiting payment” (means that the payment of the consular fee has not been made or has not yet gone through).
  • “Accepted for processing” (means that the application is being processed).
  • “Returned for editing” (means that incorrect information was found during the processing of the application. You need to make corrections and then resubmit the application for processing).
  • “Processing completed” (decision on the application has been made).
• Only applications for which a consular fee has been paid will be accepted for processing. Children under the age of six by the date of the submission of the application are exempt from the consular fee.
• All applications which have been accepted for processing will undergo a validation process to check if the information in the application is correct. If your application is correct, its status will change to “Accepted for processing”. If incorrect data is found, the status will change to “Returned for editing”. You will need to edit the application in accordance with the comments to the fields with the incorrect information and submit the application for reprocessing. Please note that the date and time of the submission of the application will be the date and time you submitted the application for reprocessing.
• Once a decision on your application has been made, its status will change to “Processing completed” and you will be able to download a PDF file with the result of its processing. Automatic messages concerning the progress and outcome of the application with detailed instructions on how to proceed will be sent to your personal e-mail address provided when creating your personal account.
• In case of a positive decision regarding the issuance of a unified e-visa, be sure to print the notification with your e-visa or, if you do not have a printer, save it on your mobile device so that you can present it visually. You will need to show the notification to the representatives of a transport company when boarding the vehicle and to the border officers when passing passport control at the border crossing point of the Russian Federation.

Statistics of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on issued visas to Russia in the 2006-2022

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