Understanding the cost of a Russian visa is one of the first things travelers want to know before planning a trip. The total price you pay depends on the type of visa, your nationality, how many entries you need, and how quickly you want it processed. This guide breaks down every fee involved so there are no surprises.
Russia E-Visa Fee
The unified electronic visa (e-visa) is the most affordable and convenient option for citizens of eligible countries. Here is what you need to know about the cost:
- Standard e-visa fee: Approximately $52 USD (paid online during application)
- Children under 6: Free of charge – no consular fee applies
- Payment method: Bank card (Visa, MasterCard, or other international payment systems) via the official portal at evisa.kdmid.ru
- Processing time: Up to 4 calendar days from submission
- Validity: 120 days from the date of issue
- Stay duration: Up to 30 days (single entry)
- Refund policy: The fee is non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome
The e-visa is available to citizens of approximately 64 countries. Notably, citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia are not currently eligible for the Russian e-visa and must apply for a traditional consular visa instead.
For a complete breakdown of e-visa eligibility, see our guide on Russia eVisa Apply Online.
Traditional Consular Visa Fees by Nationality
If you are not eligible for the e-visa, or you need a different visa type (work, study, business), you will need to apply through a Russian embassy or consulate. The consular fee varies significantly by nationality.
EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, and Switzerland
| Entry Type | Visa Category | Processing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single / Double / Multiple | Private, Study, Business, Humanitarian, Transit, Tourist | 7-20 working days | 35 EUR |
| Single / Double / Multiple | Private, Study, Business, Humanitarian, Transit, Tourist | 3 working days | 70 EUR |
| Single-entry | Work, Study | 7-20 working days | 84.60 EUR |
| Single-entry | Work, Study | 3 working days | 169.20 EUR |
| Double-entry | Work, Study | 7-20 working days | 135.40 EUR |
| Double-entry | Work, Study | 3 working days | 270.80 EUR |
| Multiple-entry | Work, Study | 7-20 working days | 253.90 EUR |
| Multiple-entry | Work, Study | 3 working days | 507.80 EUR |
EU citizens benefit from a visa facilitation agreement with Russia, which means lower fees for most visa types compared to other nationalities.
India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Angola
| Entry Type | Visa Category | Processing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-entry | All types | 7 calendar days | 37.60 EUR |
| Single-entry | All types | 3 working days | 75.20 EUR |
| Double-entry | All types | 7 calendar days | 112.80 EUR |
| Double-entry | All types | 3 working days | 225.70 EUR |
| Multiple-entry | All types | 7 calendar days | 112.80 EUR |
| Multiple-entry | All types | 3 working days | 225.70 EUR |
China
| Entry Type | Processing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry | 7 calendar days | 47 EUR |
| Single-entry | 3 working days | 75.20 EUR |
| Single-entry | 1 working day | 112.80 EUR |
| Double-entry | 7 calendar days | 94 EUR |
| Double-entry | 3 working days | 122.30 EUR |
| Double-entry | 1 working day | 159.80 EUR |
| Multiple-entry | 7 calendar days | 141 EUR |
| Multiple-entry | 3 working days | 169.20 EUR |
| Multiple-entry | 1 working day | 206.90 EUR |
Chinese citizens have access to a 1 working day express processing option, which is not available for most other nationalities.
Japan
| Entry Type | Visa Category | Processing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single / Double | Transit, Tourist | 7 calendar days | 32.80 EUR |
| Single / Double / Multiple | Private, Study, Business, Humanitarian, Work | 7 calendar days | Free |
| Single / Double / Multiple | Private, Study, Business, Humanitarian, Work | 1-3 working days | 82 EUR |
Japanese citizens enjoy free processing for most non-tourist visa types under the standard timeline.
North Macedonia
| Entry Type | Processing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry | 7 calendar days | 47 EUR |
| Single-entry | 3 working days | 94 EUR |
| Double-entry | 7 calendar days | 75.20 EUR |
| Double-entry | 3 working days | 150.40 EUR |
| Multiple-entry | 7 calendar days | 141.10 EUR |
| Multiple-entry | 3 working days | 282.10 EUR |
All Other Countries (Including US, UK, Canada, Australia)
| Entry Type | Visa Category | Processing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-entry | All types | 7-20 working days | 75.20 EUR |
| Single-entry | All types | 3 working days | 150.40 EUR |
| Double-entry | All types | 7-20 working days | 120.30 EUR |
| Double-entry | All types | 3 working days | 240.70 EUR |
| Multiple-entry | All types | 7-20 working days | 225.70 EUR |
| Multiple-entry | All types | 3 working days | 451.40 EUR |
For US citizens, the consular fee alone is approximately $160 USD for a single-entry visa. Additional service fees from visa processing centers (such as VFS Global) may also apply.
Additional Costs Beyond the Consular Fee
The consular fee is only part of the total cost. Here are other expenses to budget for:
- Visa invitation letter: $15-50 USD depending on the provider and visa type (tourist invitations can be purchased online)
- VFS Global service fee: Approximately $30-50 USD if applying through a visa center rather than directly at the consulate
- Passport photos: $5-15 USD for the required format
- Medical insurance: Required for e-visa holders; costs vary by provider and trip duration
- Document translation and notarization: If required, typically $20-50 USD per document
- Expedited processing surcharge: The express fee (3 working days) is typically double the standard fee
Russia Visa Fee Comparison: E-Visa vs Traditional Visa
| Factor | E-Visa | Traditional Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | ~$52 USD | $40-510 USD (varies by nationality and entries) |
| Processing | 4 calendar days | 7-20 working days (3 days express) |
| Stay | Up to 30 days | Up to 90 days (depending on visa type) |
| Entries | Single entry | Single, double, or multiple |
| Eligibility | 64 countries | All nationalities |
| Application | Online only | In person at embassy/consulate |
| Invitation letter | Not required | Usually required |
How to Pay the Visa Fee
E-visa: Payment is made online during the application process on evisa.kdmid.ru using an international bank card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.).
Traditional visa: Payment methods vary by consulate. Most Russian embassies accept bank card payments only. Some consulates accept cash. Check with the Russian embassy or consulate in your country before applying.
All visa fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is approved or denied.
Tips to Minimize Russia Visa Costs
- Check e-visa eligibility first. If your country is on the list, the e-visa is significantly cheaper and faster than a traditional visa.
- Apply early. Rush processing costs double. Submitting your application 4-6 weeks before travel avoids express fees.
- Use standard processing. Unless you are in a time crunch, the standard 7-20 working day processing is half the price of express.
- Compare invitation letter providers. Tourist invitation letters range from $15 to $50 depending on the source.
- Apply directly at the consulate if possible. Visa centers like VFS Global charge an additional service fee on top of the consular fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Russia e-visa cost?
The Russian e-visa costs approximately $52 USD for adults. Children under 6 years old are exempt from the fee. Payment is made online by bank card during the application process.
Is the Russia visa fee refundable if my application is denied?
No. All Russian visa fees, including both e-visa and consular fees, are non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application.
Do US citizens pay more for a Russia visa?
Yes. US citizens pay a higher consular fee (approximately $160 USD for a single-entry visa) compared to EU citizens (35 EUR). The US does not have a visa facilitation agreement with Russia, so standard rates for “all other countries” apply.
How much is a Russia tourist visa?
The cost depends on your nationality. EU citizens pay 35 EUR for standard processing. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, and Australia pay 75.20 EUR. If eligible, the e-visa at approximately $52 USD is the cheapest tourist option.
Can I pay the Russia visa fee online?
E-visa fees are paid online at evisa.kdmid.ru. Traditional consular fees are paid at the embassy or consulate, usually by bank card. Some consulates accept cash.
What is the cheapest way to get a Russia visa?
The cheapest option is the e-visa at approximately $52 USD, available to citizens of 64 eligible countries. For non-eligible nationalities, the standard single-entry consular visa (7-20 working days processing) is the most affordable traditional option.
