Do you need a visa to visit Russia?
Find your nearest Russia Embassy.
Our Russia Visa Guide will teach you everything you need to know about Russia’s visa policy for people from all over the world, including different types of visas, particular requirements, visa sponsorships, visa fees, and more. It is critical to have a scheduled flight ticket in hand before applying for a visa to Russia.
In Russia, the visa policy regulates the conditions that a foreign person intending to visit the Russian Federation must complete in order to get a visa, which is a document that grants permission to travel to, enter, and stay in the country. Visa waivers are granted in accordance with bilateral or multilateral agreements. A large number of nations have signed agreements with Russia under which its nationals are either free from visa requirements or may apply for a visa online (e-visa). Citizens of countries who have not signed such an agreement with Russia are required to seek a visa in advance from a Russian diplomatic post or visa centre in their country of residence.
It is advised that Irish nationals travelling to Russia observe the validity of their Russian visa. A visa overstay of even a few hours can have severe implications, including a possible court appearance, fine, and 5-year travel ban. A short-stay e-visa system (maximum 8 days) has been implemented for nationals of 53 countries, including Ireland, who wish to travel to Saint Petersburg and its region. Citizens of Ireland should be aware that these visas are only valid for travel to and within the St. Petersburg (Leningrad Oblast) region, and not for travel to the rest of Russia. Similar electronic visas have been implemented for the Kaliningrad region.
These extra visa programmes may be influenced by the Russian government’s general strategy to COVID-19 prevention. Citizens of Ireland must ensure that the name on their visa and passport are identical. A little change in spelling will result in a denial of entry to Russia. The Embassy is unable to assist in such situations.
For Ukraine-related information, please consult the Department’s Travel Advice. Due to the active conflict, the Embassy advises against all travel to regions bordering Ukraine. Due to the volatile security situation in the North Caucasus, we strongly discourage all travel to Chechnya, Ingushetia, and Dagestan, as well as to the eastern and southern parts of Stavropol Krai bordering Chechnya and Dagestan, including the Budyonnovsky, Levkumsky, Neftekumsky, Stepnovsky, and Kursky regions.
We also advise against travel to North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia, and Kabardino-Balkaria unless absolutely necessary (including the Elbrus region). In certain regions, terrorism and kidnapping pose a threat. Contact the embassy if you are an Irish citizen ordinarily residing in Ireland who needs assistance travelling home. If they have not already done so, Irish citizens residing in Russia are advised to register with the embassy using the Department’s travel registration facility.
You will need the following:
Depending on the type of visa you require, it can take between 4 business days and 6 weeks to obtain a Russian visa. The price also varies based on the type of visa and the urgency of your application.
Appointment waiting times can vary depending on where you are from. You will not always be required to attend an appointment.
The types of visas available in Russia are:
People regularly ask us how we can “guarantee” the issuance of a visa. Because all final decisions are made by embassies, there is no way to obtain a 100 percent guarantee. All you can do is ensure that your application is as strong as possible. Please feel free to contact with us if your visa application was denied. You have the right to contest this verdict. The embassy of the Member State that decided to deny the visa distributes a standard form to notify the applicant of the decision to deny a Russia visa and the reasons for the denial.
The most prevalent reason for denying a visa is insufficient supporting paperwork. Refusal is also a possibility if the visa application was improperly filled out. If the applicant been issued an entry ban to the Russian Federation, the Russian Embassy or Consulate will deny them an entry visa.
The federal registry can be found online (in Russian only). Single-entry visas are valid for the duration of the hotel reservation. Tourists with a multiple-entry visa may stay in Russia for up to 90 days throughout the 180-day validity term.
Because it is impossible to receive an entry visa upon arrival, travellers must submit their visa applications well in advance. There may be significant processing delays for U.S. citizens who apply for Russian visas in third countries where they do not have permission to stay for more than 90 days.
